NORWICH – A special ceremony was held during the Chenango County Board of Supervisors meeting on Monday, Dec. 12 to recognize outstanding youth and youth workers whose volunteer or professional activities have enabled youth programs to exist and flourish in communities throughout the county.
“Thank you for taking the time to recognize volunteers,” said City Youth Board Director Bob Mason at the beginning of the ceremony. “It is important. It's been said that there is nothing stronger than the heart of a volunteer.”
Eight individuals were nominated for various Youth Awards and each were recognized before the Board of Supervisors and members of the community during Monday's meeting.
Norwich High School sophomores Brenna and Hannah Baker were each awarded the Outstanding Youth Volunteer Award for their efforts in raising funds for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Over the course of the year, the sisters organized various fundraising events including the first ever 'PMC Kid's Bike Ride' and a spaghetti dinner–amongst other philanthropic actions–to raise $13,000 for the cancer institute. Brenna has also raised over $600 for the Chenango SPCA, and Hannah regularly volunteers as a face painter for a number of community events as they aim to lead by example and make Chenango County a better place.
Gibson School Physical Education teacher Phil Curley was awarded the Professional Youth Volunteer Award for his efforts in working with and encouraging Amelia Hartwell–a former student of Curley's who is blind. In the last two years with Curley's help, Amelia has conquered the Turkey Trot twice, as well as a mile-long run at Utica's Boilermaker.
“During each of these runs, Amelia is greeted with many cheers,” said Kathleen Glavin, who works alongside Curley as a Phys. Ed teacher at Gibson. “She loves the running, and she loves the attention. But we don't hear the cheers for Mr. Curley–a wonderful teacher, a wonderful coach–who does more volunteer work than anyone ever sees.”
Jamey Mullen, Executive Director of the Norwich Family YMCA for over 25 years, was also awarded the Professional Youth Volunteer Award for his continuous efforts in donating his time throughout the community.
“Everybody knows Jamey,” said Kathleen Campbell, who nominated Mullen for the award. “I have seen him step in and referee games at the YMCA when they needed him. He does whatever he has to to make it work. He's kind, caring, and nurturing: The epitome of what the YMCA stands for.”
Among others awarded were Jason Miller and Ben Barnes–who organize and run winter and pre-season baseball programs in the county–and Jim Sanford and Scott Moore–who volunteer their time to run winter and pre-season softball programs in the county.
“These four are going into their fifth year of donating their time. They could be paid–they turn that down,” said Bob Mason in recognizing Miller, Barnes, Sanford, and Moore. “We couldn't do the job that we do without their help.”