Katie Collazo, an honor roll student at the Morris County School of Technology in Denville and member of the West Essex YMCA, was recently presented with their Russell Colgate Youth of the Year Award at the Metropolitan YMCA of Oranges 32nd Annual Fellowship Dinner. One young member from each of the Metropolitan YMCA of Oranges’ five branches received this award for their exemplary behavior at the YMCA and in their personal lives.
Helen Flores, Executive Director of the West Essex YMCA, said, "Katie has come to exemplify the YMCA’s core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility in all that she does. It gives me great pleasure to see her win this year’s Youth of the Year Award for the West Essex YMCA."
Katie has been a member of the West Essex YMCA for eight years and has always understood the importance of volunteering and giving back. She unselfishly donates her time and talents to the vast functions offered by the West Essex YMCA, such as Healthy Kids Day. Additionally, she donates and prepares delicious desserts for the YMCA’s Open Houses, Senior Appreciation Day, My Y Week, Summer Camp Meet & Greets, as well as in-house events and parties.
In addition to her time spent at the YMCA, Katie is a member of the National Technical Honor Society, a member of the Key Club, The Environmental Awareness Club, lectors at St Cecelia’s Church and volunteers by-annually at the White Meadow Lake community blood drive. She also holds a part-time job at a local restaurant.
"Katie is an extraordinary person and a true example of a positive role model," added Mrs. Flores. "She always demonstrates the core values of the YMCA, and because of her generous heart and special contributions."
The YMCA is the local charity of choice. Financial assistance is available because at the West Essex YMCA no one is turned away due to their inability to pay. Changing lives in changing times the West Essex YMCA is here for you.
For more information about the West Essex YMCA’s Youth of the Year please call (973) 992-7500 or visit their website at www.westessexymca.org
The West Essex YMCA is a branch of the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges, the largest YMCA in the state of New Jersey, serving over 146,000 members and program participants annually. Its mission is to enrich the lives of the children, families and communities it serves through programs that build spirit, mind and body, welcoming all people, in an environment nurturing positive values. Its five branch facilities are located in East Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, Hardyston and Stillwater, and provide a wide variety of services and activities:
• Quality all-day and after-school childcare, pre-school and kindergarten classes, recreational and enrichment programs e.g. swimming and other sports, arts, computer activities and day and sleep-away camps.
• Programs for adolescents and teens that include sports, parties and club activities.
• Programs for adults and seniors.
Photo above: L to R: Helen Flores, Executive Director of the West Essex YMCA and Katie Collazo Recipient of the West Essex YMCA Youth of the Year Award
Photo courtesy of the West Essex YMCA