Wayne YMCA Honors Youth of the Year

Thirteen-year-old Myles Samuels combined his love of basketball and desire to serve his community to create a basketball program for children with special needs at the Wayne YMCA.

“My favorite part was seeing the kids happy. They were excited about learning new skills and felt proud,” the Schuyler-Colfax Middle School seventh grader said.

The Wayne YMCA named Samuels its 2017 Youth of the Year at the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges’ annual dinner on April 12. The Wayne YMCA is one of seven branches of the Metro YMCA.

“For someone at his young age, Myles already understands that he is part of something larger than himself,” said Joyce Fein, the Wayne YMCA’s director of marketing and community engagement. “He is caring, compassionate and truly wants to make a difference in people’s lives.”

The 5-foot-10 Samuels has been involved with the Wayne YMCA since he was little, and played on its travel basketball team. As a fifth grader, he volunteered at school to help preschoolers with special needs in gym class.

He developed the six-week special needs basketball program last fall for his Bar Mitzvah project, recruiting friends and family members to help out, and sending flyers to local schools to invite families.

“The children looked forward to coming to the Wayne YMCA each week to have fun and learn new skills. Their parents enjoyed the much-needed respite,” Fein said. Samuels plans to run the program again this spring.

At the Shomrei Torah synagogue, Samuels writes letters and makes crafts for soldiers, senior citizens, and people who are hospitalized. He also raises money for underprivileged children at his summer camp.

Samuels said he felt honored to receive the award. “It makes me feel good that I’ve been able to make an impact on people’s lives,” said Samuels, who lives with his parents and younger brother.

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ABOUT THE Y

Established in 1885, the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges invests in its diverse communities to promote wellness, safety and quality of life for children, adults and seniors. Its seven branches in East Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, Hackensack, Hardyston, Stillwater and Wayne are committed to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility through an array of programs. Some 35,000 people belong to the Metro Y, which awards more than $2.8 million annually in direct and indirect financial assistance.