Thirty-eight Local Youth Recognized for Outstanding Community Service with YMCA Youth Thrive Awards

The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, presented Youth Thrive awards to 38 teen leaders across the metro area who have made an impact on their communities while demonstrating a commitment to the YMCA way.

The 2017 Youth Thrive honorees strengthen the Twin Cities as volunteers, peer leaders and Y team members. Their accomplishments include facilitating community conversations around issues that affect young people, speaking to legislators at the State Capitol, providing meaningful outdoor experiences to kids as camp counselors, organizing volunteer service projects, building connections between their peers and the community, and more.

“The YMCA recognizes young people not just as leaders of tomorrow, but as innovative and inspirational leaders of today,” said Glen Gunderson, president and CEO of the Y. “The youth we recognized this year are passionate about building community by participating in leadership programs, volunteering their time to help others, and making a difference in their Ys, schools and communities.”

2017 YMCA Youth Thrive Award Winners

Hannah McIntosh, Andover YMCA Community Center

Bebe Wayi, YMCA Beacons in Minneapolis

Arianna Favors, YMCA Beacons in Minneapolis

Sedrique Amentor, Blaisdell YMCA in Minneapolis

Kaylee Martynow, Burnsville YMCA

Samara Kroeger, YMCA Camp du Nord

Lily Pope, YMCA Camp Icaghowan in Amery, WI