For the 30th year, Bradford YMCA staged its Annual Community Awards Breakfast honoring those creating change in their communities. Jeff Townsend, YMCA of the Twin Tiers CEO, welcomed guests to the annual breakfast held Tuesday in Mukaiyama University Room, Frame-Westerburg Commons, at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. “Thirty years – that’s pretty awesome,” he said. “We are honoring some individuals who’ve gone above and beyond to make a difference for themselves, for their communities and for our world. “We reflect on the collective generosity and compassion that defines our community and drives us to … work together toward brighter futures for all.” Kathy Wright was honored with the George G. Blaisdell YMCA Community Service Award, which recognizes an individual with a history of sustained community service, dedication and positivity, who inspires others to become involved and promote a culture of giving. Bradford YMCA Executive Director Emily Rhoades said, in presenting Wright for the award, “She has been a pillar of strength and positivity in our county for three decades. She embarked on a journey to bring the benefits of yoga and mindfulness to our community, spreading the message of health, healing and resilience,” Rhoades said. Wright has volunteered her time and expertise to veterans, addiction recovery groups and individuals dealing with trauma, “and always with a compassionate heart.” This year’s organization recognized with the Community Service Award was the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce. Bradford YMCA Board Chairman Joe Auteri presented the award to BACC Executive Director Heidi Scrivo. “The chamber has evolved by driving growth and prosperity in our region,” Auteri said, adding the chamber “has been instrumental in fostering a vibrant business community, supporting local enterprises and advocating the interests of all its members.” Recognized with the Ray C. Uhler YMCA Outstanding Youth Award were Skye Eakin-Irwin, Bradford Area High School; Elizabeth Yasurek, Kane Area High School; Alexis L. Kemp, Oswayo Valley High School; Brooke English, Otto-Eldred High School; Amber Funk, Port Allegany High School; and Emily Grace Higley, Smethport Area Junior-Senior High School. The award was established in 1993 honoring Uhler, a longtime board member and friend of the Bradford YMCA. Students selected are individuals who have demonstrated throughout their high school careers a continual commitment to helping others, volunteering with local community groups and organizations, churches and schools. Rhoades presented the Cause Driven Leader of the Year Award in memory of Marty Palumbo. Rhoades said, “She was a beacon of light in McKean County, bringing warmth and compassion to all that knew her. “She understood the importance of lending a helping hand and doing her part to make the world a better place,” Rhoades said. “Her commitment to helping others extended far beyond her professional duties … embodying the spirit of service and community that defined her life.” Pete Palumbo accepted the award on his late wife’s behalf. For embodying the nurturing qualities and unwavering determination to provide quality care for all children, Sarah Smith received the Excellence in Child Care Award. YMCA Pennsylvania Child Care Executive Director Kira Schine recognized Smith’s “excellence in job performance, going above and beyond to make children feel welcomed and special.” Schine said, “Sarah, your work is more than just a job. It’s a testament to the power of compassion and dedication. Thank you for inspiring us all with your passion.” Amy Fox was named Program Volunteer of the Year. The award is presented to an outstanding volunteer of the YMCA, through board or community participation, annual campaign support, program or office support, special events or other branch responsibilities. “Amy’s impact on our community has been nothing short of extraordinary,” Auteri said. “Her journey is a testament to her commitment to personal and professional growth. “In her 24 years of service to the Bradford area, Amy’s passion and volunteerism has been truly inspiring. We honor Amy for her outstanding contributions to the community and thank her for her tireless dedication to making Bradford a better place for all who call it home.” Emcee Stacy Williams said, “As we close this year’s breakfast, let’s remember to do this on a smaller scale – recognizing the goodness in each other and lifting each other up.”

For the 30th year, Bradford YMCA staged its Annual Community Awards Breakfast honoring those creating change in their communities.

Jeff Townsend, YMCA of the Twin Tiers CEO, welcomed guests to the annual breakfast held Tuesday in Mukaiyama University Room, Frame-Westerburg Commons, at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.

“Thirty years – that’s pretty awesome,” he said. “We are honoring some individuals who’ve gone above and beyond to make a difference for themselves, for their communities and for our world.

“We reflect on the collective generosity and compassion that defines our community and drives us to … work together toward brighter futures for all.”

Kathy Wright was honored with the George G. Blaisdell YMCA Community Service Award, which recognizes an individual with a history of sustained community service, dedication and positivity, who inspires others to become involved and promote a culture of giving.

Bradford YMCA Executive Director Emily Rhoades said, in presenting Wright for the award, “She has been a pillar of strength and positivity in our county for three decades. She embarked on a journey to bring the benefits of yoga and mindfulness to our community, spreading the message of health, healing and resilience,” Rhoades said.

Wright has volunteered her time and expertise to veterans, addiction recovery groups and individuals dealing with trauma, “and always with a compassionate heart.”

This year’s organization recognized with the Community Service Award was the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce.

Bradford YMCA Board Chairman Joe Auteri presented the award to BACC Executive Director Heidi Scrivo.

“The chamber has evolved by driving growth and prosperity in our region,” Auteri said, adding the chamber “has been instrumental in fostering a vibrant business community, supporting local enterprises and advocating the interests of all its members.”

Recognized with the Ray C. Uhler YMCA Outstanding Youth Award were Skye Eakin-Irwin, Bradford Area High School; Elizabeth Yasurek, Kane Area High School; Alexis L. Kemp, Oswayo Valley High School; Brooke English, Otto-Eldred High School; Amber Funk, Port Allegany High School; and Emily Grace Higley, Smethport Area Junior-Senior High School.

The award was established in 1993 honoring Uhler, a longtime board member and friend of the Bradford YMCA. Students selected are individuals who have demonstrated throughout their high school careers a continual commitment to helping others, volunteering with local community groups and organizations, churches and schools.

Rhoades presented the Cause Driven Leader of the Year Award in memory of Marty Palumbo. Rhoades said, “She was a beacon of light in McKean County, bringing warmth and compassion to all that knew her.

“She understood the importance of lending a helping hand and doing her part to make the world a better place,” Rhoades said. “Her commitment to helping others extended far beyond her professional duties … embodying the spirit of service and community that defined her life.”

Pete Palumbo accepted the award on his late wife’s behalf.

For embodying the nurturing qualities and unwavering determination to provide quality care for all children, Sarah Smith received the Excellence in Child Care Award.

YMCA Pennsylvania Child Care Executive Director Kira Schine recognized Smith’s “excellence in job performance, going above and beyond to make children feel welcomed and special.”

Schine said, “Sarah, your work is more than just a job. It’s a testament to the power of compassion and dedication. Thank you for inspiring us all with your passion.”

Amy Fox was named Program Volunteer of the Year. The award is presented to an outstanding volunteer of the YMCA, through board or community participation, annual campaign support, program or office support, special events or other branch responsibilities.

“Amy’s impact on our community has been nothing short of extraordinary,” Auteri said. “Her journey is a testament to her commitment to personal and professional growth.

“In her 24 years of service to the Bradford area, Amy’s passion and volunteerism has been truly inspiring. We honor Amy for her outstanding contributions to the community and thank her for her tireless dedication to making Bradford a better place for all who call it home.”

Emcee Stacy Williams said, “As we close this year’s breakfast, let’s remember to do this on a smaller scale – recognizing the goodness in each other and lifting each other up.”