Metro YMCA of the Oranges Names ‘Youth of the Year’ Honorees

By: Mollie Shauger | Tuesday, May 28, 2024 | News

Youth of the Year award winners

LIVINGSTON, NJ - The Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges and its seven branches are recognizing youth members for their distinguished participation in the Y and demonstration of the Y’s core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility. The Metro YMCA presented these seven individuals with the Russell Colgate Youth of the Year Awards at the Y’s Annual Campaign Celebration and Awards Dinner in April.

Rebecca Brown - New Milford YMCA Program Center

Rebecca serves as a junior counselor at Day Camp Oratam, where she has distinguished herself through her exceptional ability to build positive relationships with campers and their families, directors say. Her vibrant energy and dedication to the camp inspire her fellow counselors to strive for excellence. Additionally, Rebecca actively participates in all branch events, supporting the Y's mission. She is a junior at Bergen County Technical School, pursuing studies in fashion and marketing, and is a member of the Black Student Union and leads the Black International Dance Team. She also competes on the varsity cheer squad and varsity lacrosse team. She lives in River Edge.

Austin Cummings - Sussex County YMCA

Austin is enthusiastic and hard-working, and a positive role model, directors say. He volunteered the entire summer with the day camp programs, helping to ensure that the kids were always well taken care of. Austin, a Vernon resident, plays for Vernon Little League. He enjoys swimming, basketball and playing games on his computer and chatting with his friends. Next year he will start high school and is excited to learn computer science. He is looking forward to another summer at YMCA camp.

Kevin Drache - Fairview Lake YMCA Camps

Kevin has been a member of the YMCA since he was in preschool, learning to swim at the Y and attending Blue Mountain Day Camp. He transitioned from camper to Counselor-In-Training, exhibiting natural leadership and a warm, friendly demeanor that bridged the gap between campers and counselors, camp directors say. Beyond completing a successful CIT program and volunteering for the rest of the summer at camp, Kevin balanced numerous commitments. He plays the French horn in three bands at Vernon High School, maintains Honor Roll status, plays basketball, holds a black belt in martial arts, and serves as a youth director at his church. 

Ella Levy - South Mountain YMCA

Ella has been volunteering with the YMCA theater program for the past four years in various capacities. Ella does more than just attend rehearsals; she ties shoes, makes sure the smallest cast members know what to do (on stage and off!), blocks scenes, choreographs songs, and is a general bit of sunshine for everyone, says Gailmarie Green, Enrichment and Family Program Director at the South Mountain Y. Ella does a lot of work helping to manage the younger stage screw and making sure they feel confident in their jobs. In addition to the Y, Ella has spent a lot of time volunteering with the Girl Scouts and works at Camp Hoover in the summer. 

Angelina Rene - East Orange YMCA

Angelina consistently demonstrates responsibility and exhibits kindness towards everyone she encounters at the YMCA. Her openness to trying new things and welcoming attitude towards both kids and staff exemplify her outstanding character, according to directors. Angelina shows the highest respect for her counselors and peers while maintaining a positive energy within the group with her infectious smile, laughter, and sense of humor. Angelina's willingness to take accountability, coupled with her intelligence and bright aura, make her a shining example of excellence at the Y. 

Chloe Simon - West Essex YMCA 

Chloe, a fifth grader at Lester C. Noecker School in Roseland, attends the Y’s after school child care program. She is energetic, kind, honest, caring, and respectful, according to program directors. She is always willing to help out the site supervisor at the school with setting up activities and keeping the spaces nice and tidy. Chloe is also a member of the West Essex YMCA’s Racers Swim Team. 

Isabella Yasin - Waye YMCA

Isabella started out at the Wayne Y as a competitive swimmer with the Bluestreaks at age 6, and now works for the Aquatics Department as one of the swim lesson supervisors, assisting parents, supporting the lifeguards and ensuring everything runs smoothly with lessons. She is mature beyond her years and is friendly, conscientious and upholds the values of the Y in all of her interactions with members and colleagues, directors say. Isabella is a junior at Pequannock High School, where she is involved in the Chemistry League, Biology League and was elected Head of the Prom Committee by her peers. 

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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, New Milford, 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 million annually in direct and indirect financial assistance.