Metro YMCA of the Oranges Announces 2024 ‘Youth of the Year’

LIVINGSTON, NJ - The Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges and its six 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 six individuals with the 2024 Russell Colgate Youth of the Year Awards at the Y’s Annual Campaign Celebration and Awards Dinner in April. 

Olivia Costello - West Essex YMCA 

Olivia is an active participant on the Racers Swim Team, School Age Child Care at Mount Pleasant Elementary School, and Pioneer Trails Day. She is always eager to help, whether it's leading a craft or assisting younger kids with their shoes. As a camper at Pioneer Trails, Olivia consistently works to uplift others, contributing to a positive camp culture. As a swim team member for three years, Olivia approaches every challenge with enthusiasm and supports her teammates with a smile. In her first season in the 9-10 age group, she achieved impressive milestones, including qualifying for the 12 and Under YMCA State Championships in the 100-yard backstroke and earning multiple YMCA Silver and Bronze Championship qualifications. Olivia played a key role on the Racers’ 9-10 girls' relay teams, helping achieve the team's first state relay qualification in over a decade.

Conor Delk - South Mountain YMCA

Conor loves working for the Y and, in particular, working with and coaching younger kids. Given some of his own medical complications, he has always had a special relationship with the school nurse. When an emergency situation arose in the Beyond the Bell program, his vigilance in the situation helped a child who was having a seizure to avoid further injury. Conor is cordial, friendly, and incredibly professional. He jumped in to help staff promote summer camp at the School Age Child Care sites. The kids look forward to seeing Conor and his friend Nate when they arrive, ready with a smile for the kids and handshake for the parents.

Sophia Kattner - Sussex County YMCA

As a member of the Y’s Swordfish Swim Team, Sofia has consistently shown exceptional discipline and teamwork, but her contributions go far beyond athletics. Last summer, Sofia generously volunteered her time at day camp, making a positive and lasting impact on the lives of younger campers. She also took part in Healthy Kids Day®, stepping up wherever help was needed. What truly sets Sofia apart is her deep commitment to giving back to the Y community. Through determination and effort, she raised over $500 for the Annual Support Campaign, helping ensure that others can access the same opportunities that have helped shape her own Y journey.

Ricardo Renderos III - New Milford YMCA Program Center, a location of the Greater Bergen County YMCA

Ricardo came to the Y last October as an intern and immediately had a positive impact on the branch. His energy, enthusiasm, and willingness to take on any task has been a blessing. He somehow manages this busy schedule as a student-athlete at Bergen Tech to enable himself to be learning and growing with the Y. His creativity in marketing has drastically improved the Y’s ability to connect with families. 

Will Ross - Fairview Lake YMCA Camps

While he has been a sleepaway camper since 2017, Will’s connection to camp goes back even further. Not only has Will been a joy to have as a camper, but he has also gone above and beyond to give back to the community. Whether he’s running activities at Y Community Days, assisting during volunteer weekends to help improve camp, or stepping up whenever needed, his commitment to making Fairview Lake a better place is truly inspiring. He consistently leads by example, serving as a role model for younger campers through his actions, kindness, and enthusiasm. 

Skye Smith - East Orange YMCA

Skye has been part of the Y since she was 3 years old, and now, at 11 years old, she continues to inspire everyone around her with her incredible spirit. Throughout the years, Skye has participated in Y programs including summer camp, afterschool, preschool, dance and cheer, and art class. Her favorite thing to do at the Y is spend time with her friends and counselors, creating lasting memories and strong bonds that represent the true spirit of community. She is known for her bubbly, outgoing, and optimistic personality — always smiling, always lifting others up, and always leading by example.