Celebrating Service at the YMCA

The YMCA's Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony, held this year on May 29th, celebrates the important work being done at the YMCA and the standout members, volunteers, and staff who dedicate their time and compassion to building community. With meaningful programs serving all ages from preschoolers to active older adults, the YMCA embodies the spirit of community, service, and excellence. This year's event serves as a reminder of the impactful work being done within the organization and beyond. 

We extend our sincere thanks to Marc Laredo, Councilor-at-Large and President of the Newton City Council, and to our WSYMCA Board Members for attending the celebration.  

View photos from the WSYMCA 2025 Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony on Facebook.

Honoring Commitment: A Community of Support 

Volunteers are the backbone of any nonprofit organization, and the YMCA is no exception. Our community awards honor those whose selfless dedication has had a profound impact on the YMCA and the lives it touches. Among the honorees were: 

The Ken Billings-Frank O'Halloran Award: Jerry Bloom and Gerry Fahey

Honors and recognizes an extraordinary member who has made a long-term commitment to our Y and whose caring influence has helped shape others in a positive way. To honor both Ken Billings and Frank O’Halloran and their legacies, the Y recognizes a long-term adult member or volunteer who demonstrates the personal qualities so characteristic of these two gentlemen, who cumulatively represent over 120 years of membership. 

Community Partner Award: Community Cooks 

While every Community Partner and Supporter is valued beyond measure, the WSYMCA annually recognizes one partner that demonstrates the qualities that have enabled the West Suburban Y to deliver community strengthening programs and services over the past year. Nominees are supporters in all ways up to and including: volunteerism, in-kind support, expertise, capital campaign support, annual campaign support and advocacy. 

Teen Citizen Award:  Stephen Connolly and Gina Gleeson

Honors a teenager who actively demonstrates the Y’s core values – caring, honesty, respect and responsibility – at our Y, as well as at home, in school, and in the community. 

Youth Award: Nikyla Gumbs and Frederick Streich

Given to a youth member or program participant between the ages of 10 and 17 who exemplifies the YMCA’s vision of building strong spirit, mind, and body in their experiences and activities. 

Adult Volunteer Award: Scott Chamberlain, Matt Mahoney, Paul Pasquarosa, and Liz Puleo

Recognizes outstanding YMCA volunteers. This award acknowledges individuals that selflessly volunteer for the Y and instill our mission and values into their work and daily life. 

Honoring Excellence: A Time of Recognition 

The staff awards recognize the exceptional individuals whose dedication and passion have propelled the YMCA's mission forward. Among the honorees were: 

Commitment to Excellence Award: Trevor Ward

Recognizes Y staff members who have continuously demonstrated outstanding achievement, skills, and commitment to excellence in fulfilling the critical duties related to their position. The individuals receiving this award demonstrate a positive attitude and/or behavior admired and valued by their colleagues. 

Living Our Cause Award: Katie Britton and Bill Heck

Recognizes an employee’s outstanding individual accomplishments that make an exemplary contribution to our Y through their demonstration or development of new practices, techniques, or programs which support a commitment to strengthening communities and building relationships encompassing all three areas of focus: Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility. 

Bob Groden Employee of the Year: Henri Rousseau

The Bob Groden Y Employee of the Year Award was established by Ned Morse and his family shortly after the tragic death of Bob Groden in 1998. The Morse family chose to honor Mr. Groden for his commitment to the YMCA’s youth and sport departments and to create an award that recognizes a committed and exemplary YMCA employee. 

Staff Milestone Anniversaries 

We are proud to celebrate our full- and part-time staff who have reached different years of service milestones over the last year. We are truly grateful for their dedication to the Y and our mission! 

• 25 YEARS Kathryn Howell 
• 10 YEARS Kelly Barker, Jack Fucci, Vadim Melamud, Anthony Moscatelli, Edith Wendell, Keri Wood 
• 5 YEARS Sophia Bacanurschi, Julissa Difot, Edward Kiley, Shira Meadows, Ryan Phinney, Caroline Vuilleimier

Looking Ahead: Towards a Brighter Future 

The Annual Meeting and Awards Celebration is a testament to the YMCA’s enduring relevance and vitality in an ever-changing world. As the organization looks ahead to the next 146 years and beyond, one thing remains certain: the YMCA will continue to be a beacon of hope, inspiration, and community for all.