Tuscarawas County YMCA honors volunteers at annual meeting

The Tuscarawas County YMCA held its annual meeting and volunteer recognition dinner Monday, March 16, at ProVia in New Philadelphia. The meeting included reports on 2025 news and finances and recognized YMCA volunteers.

The meeting was led by YMCA Board of Directors Chair Perci Garner III. The 2025 annual report was presented. A total of 96 volunteers, members, staff members and guests attended the dinner. In 2025, 195 volunteers donated 2,759 hours to YMCA programs and events.

Garner welcomed new board members Caleb Fell and Brent Mullet. He also thanked retiring Board of Directors member Melody Rader and retiring Board of Trustees member John Hoopingarner for their service and dedication to the Y.

Board of Trustees Chair Mike Fredericks gave an overview of the Heritage Club and thanked Heritage Club members for donations totaling $11,321 to the YMCA endowment fund in 2025. He also recognized past Leo Poland Award winners for their years of volunteer service to the Y.

Meagan Shaheen thanked donors to the 2025 Annual Campaign, whose generosity helped the Y exceed its goal and raise $177,569. She also recognized grants from the Doris & Floyd Kimble Foundation, Rosenberry Foundation, Reeves Foundation, Tuscarawas Arts Partnership, Hello Insight and John & Orlena Marsh Foundation.

The Phillips family of New Philadelphia was recognized as the 2025 Family of the Year. Family members are parents Zachary and Rachel and children James and Ruth. Shaheen nominated the family and presented the award. She praised them for their involvement in multiple Y programs, the swim team and special events, as well as their commitment to modeling an active, healthy lifestyle for their children.

The 2025 Youth Leadership Award was presented to Peyton Newton of New Philadelphia. Jeff Bray nominated him and presented the award. Peyton has been part of the YMCA Teen Leaders Club since it relaunched in January 2025. He regularly volunteers at family events at the Y and was praised for his patience, helpfulness and active engagement in the program.

Genevieve McNeal of Dover was recognized as the 2025 Volunteer of the Year. She was nominated by Kathleen Johnson, associate executive director, who also presented the award. Genevieve has served as a substitute instructor for LaBlast and Everybody Fitness classes for more than a year and is always ready to help when needed. Her volunteer service reflects a YMCA member stepping up to meet a need.

Scott Heil of New Philadelphia received the 2025 Leo Poland Award. Shaheen nominated him and presented the award. Scott is a longtime generational member and volunteer at the Y and also serves as a middle school soccer coach. He has served on the Board of Directors for more than a decade, including many years as treasurer. The YMCA said his leadership, dedication and commitment have played a meaningful role in its continued success.

Volunteers are essential to the YMCA’s programs, special events, competitive teams and community services. The Tuscarawas County YMCA thanked all of its volunteers for their time, effort and talent throughout 2025. The YMCA’s annual report and community impact information are available at its website, tuscymca.org.

The Tuscarawas County YMCA has served the community for 106 years and is located at 600 Monroe St. in Dover. It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with 6,832 members, 117 staff members and 195 volunteers.