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 2025 Russell Colgate Youth of the Year Awards at the Y’s Annual Campaign Celebration and Awards Dinner in April.
Penelope has been an active member of the Sussex County YMCA Swordfish Swim Team since 2019, and has contributed to programs across the branch. She regularly volunteers with the Sidekick Program and Child Watch, and represents her peers as a member of the New Jersey Swimming Athlete Committee. Her involvement reflects a strong commitment to teamwork, leadership, and service.
In addition to her YMCA contributions, Penelope is a high-achieving student and student leader, serving as her class treasurer and participating in service-based organizations. She has been a member of the Lake Mohawk Pool Swim Team since 2019, where she has spent the past three years volunteering as a coach for the Mighty Mites, the team's youth swimmers. She also recently helped plan and volunteer at a Swim Across America event supporting breast cancer research.
Kaya has grown up at the YMCA, participating in programs since early childhood and consistently giving back to the community that helped shape him. As a member of the Teen Leaders Program, Kaya has volunteered extensively, supporting events and initiatives that serve families across the community. His dedication and reliability have made him a trusted and valued leader among staff and peers alike.
Kaya continues to expand his leadership by creating and leading an Ultimate Frisbee clinic for school-age participants, teaching teamwork, confidence, and sportsmanship. He also participated in the Future Makers Entrepreneur Program, where he developed business ideas and presented them in a public pitch competition.
Amanda has been deeply connected to the YMCA for many years, growing up as both a member and swimmer. Her brother was on the Piranhas Special Olympics Swim Team and Amanda joined the Racers Swim Team program in 2017. Since then, she has stood out as a leader and role model, particularly as a strong female presence for younger athletes. Her dedication and positive influence have helped shape the team environment and inspire her peers.
Most recently, Amanda has taken on expanded leadership roles as a volunteer coach for the Piranhas and as the head volunteer for the Coach-in-Training program. In these roles, she supports and mentors young athletes as they develop coaching skills and confidence.
Since joining Fairview Lake YMCA Camps in 2019, Nelle has become a steady and uplifting presence in the camp community. Known for her welcoming spirit, she consistently helps fellow campers feel included and valued, especially those who may be struggling to connect. Whether in her cabin or across camp, Nelle leads with kindness, encouraging others and creating a sense of belonging for everyone around her.
Nelle demonstrates strong leadership through her daily actions, modeling empathy, responsibility, and integrity. She was previously honored as Camper of the Year, a recognition of her positive impact and dedication to others. Nelle’s commitment to caring for her peers and building a supportive community makes her an outstanding representative of Fairview Lake YMCA Camps.
Elijah first came to the Y as a seventh-grader in the teen swim program, where he quickly found both confidence and community. Encouraged by staff and peers, he advanced into the Junior Lifeguard program and later stepped into a leadership role on the aquatics team. Today, Elijah is a skilled swim instructor who goes beyond teaching technique. He mentors young swimmers, building confidence and creating a supportive environment where every child feels seen and encouraged.
Over time, Elijah has expanded his impact beyond aquatics, contributing to School Age Child Care and enrichment programs across the branch. Known for his positivity, creativity, and reliability, he consistently steps up wherever help is needed, making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families throughout the community.
Jenna's connection to the YMCA began at a young age through swim lessons, inspired by her older siblings. Over time, the Y became a second home—a place where she built confidence and pursued her passion for swimming. After a brief period away, Jenna’s family played a key role in supporting the rebuilding of the aquatics program, and she quickly reconnected, stepping into a newly created Assistant Swim Instructor role.
Today, Jenna is both a dedicated instructor and an active volunteer at community events, giving back to the program that shaped her. She has also achieved her childhood goal of joining a swim team and now competes at the high school level.
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ABOUT THE Y
Established in 1885, the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges invests in its diverse communities to promote wellness, safety and quality of life for children, adults and seniors. Its six branches in East Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, New Milford, Hardyston and Stillwater are committed to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility through an array of programs. Some 35,000 people belong to the Metro Y, which awards more than $2 million annually in direct and indirect financial assistance.