The YMCA of Metro North celebrated the spirit of community and impact at its 2025 Annual Meeting on Thursday, May 15, recognizing individuals and organizations whose work uplifts youth, strengthens neighborhoods, and inspires service throughout the region. Awards were presented to honor exceptional dedication to the Y’s mission.

“The Annual Meeting is always a powerful reminder of why we do this work and where we’re headed. At the YMCA of Metro North, we’re not content to rest on past success—we’re focused on what’s next and how we can deepen our impact in every community we serve. This year’s award winners exemplify the spirit of partnership, purpose, and progress that drives our mission forward,” said Kathleen Walsh, President and CEO of the  YMCA of Metro North.

Community Partner of the Year: Lynn Community Health Center
The YMCA recognized the Lynn Community Health Center for its long-standing partnership with the YMCA of Metro North and its commitment to whole-person wellness. As a daily partner at the Demakes Family YMCA, Lynn Community Health Center has expanded access to behavioral health support, provided critical training for Y staff, and responded with compassion and care in moments of crisis. Their partnership exemplifies what it means to build healthier communities together.

Champion of the Year: Lennin Peña, City of Lynn
Lennin Peña is receiving the YMCA of Metro North Champion Award for his unwavering dedication to uplifting the Lynn community through service, advocacy, and support. Beyond his role as a city employee and school committee member, Lennin is dedicated to serving on the school board and is the founder of Lynners Against Drug Abuse and a longtime partner of the YMCA, where he has facilitated recovery meetings, coached youth, and led initiatives.

“Lenny Peña’s dedication to the Lynn community is nothing short of inspiring. Through his tireless volunteer work with local non-profits and his unwavering commitment as a voice for every student, Lenny exemplifies what it means to serve with heart and purpose. His leadership on the Lynn School Committee reflects a deep passion for equity, opportunity, and excellence in education. This honor is incredibly well deserved, and I’m proud to call him a friend and a partner in building a brighter future for our youth,” said Re. Dan Cahill (D-10th Essex)

Ethel Leonard Service Award: Livestrong at the Y Team
This year’s Ethel Leonard Service Award was presented to the Livestrong at the Y team for their unwavering commitment to cancer survivors and their families. Through specialized wellness programming, the team has empowered hundreds of individuals to rebuild their strength and confidence in a supportive community environment.

“This year’s award recipients truly embody the definition of public service. As Community Partner of the Year, Lynn Community Health Center is essential to providing access to comprehensive and affordable healthcare. Y Champion of the Year Lenny Peña is a dear friend and a dedicated public servant who is always finding ways to help those he represents. The YMN Livestrong at the Y Team does incredible work helping cancer survivors reclaim their health and feel supported after treatment while rebuilding their physical fitness and are beyond deserving of the Ethel Leonard Service Award. Thank you to the YMCA of Metro North for spotlighting the work of these deserving recipients, and for the work you do to foster community and support health and wellness. Congratulations to all of this year’s awardees,” said Sen. Brendan Crighton (D-Third Essex)

Y Champion Scholarship Winners
The YMCA of Metro North also celebrated this year’s recipients of the Y Champion Scholarships—awarded to active YMCA staff who are high school seniors or currently enrolled in vocational or college programs. These students represent the Y’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility in their academic and personal lives. This year’s honorees are:

  • Brenda Betances – KIPP Academy Lynn Collegiate High School
  • Owen Brodeur – Melrose High School
  • Gianna Ferraro – Danvers High School
  • Isabella Michel – St. Mary’s High School
  • Kaydee Rouse – Lynn Classical High School
  • Sofia Schirripa – Peabody Veterans Memorial High School
  • Alexis Salkin – Stoneham High School

The event, held at the Boston Marriott in Peabody, brought together local leaders, staff, and supporters to celebrate another year of growth and community impact across the YMCA of Metro North’s branches. To read more about the YMCA of Metro North’s Impact from 2024, click here.