PEABODY, MA — The YMCA of Metro North awarded seven scholarships to North Shore student staff members as part of its annual meeting at the Boston Marriott in Peabody on Wednesday.
Y Champion scholarships are 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 scholars are:
Additional 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, where we’re headed, and allows us a chance to honor those who worked with us in the past year,” YMCA of Metro North President Kathleen Walsh said. “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.”
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 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 Rep. Dan Cahill (D-10th Essex).
Ethel Leonard Service Award: Livestrong at the Y Team
This year’s Ethel Leonard Award for Service 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,” Sen. Brendan Crighton (D-Third Essex). “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.”
he YMCA of Metro North has branches in Lynn, Melrose, Peabody, Saugus, and Stoneham.
(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)
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