s.furlong@bradfordera.com

Every year, the YMCA of the Twin Tiers takes a moment to acknowledge those selfless individuals and supportive groups that really allow the Y to make an impact in the communities it serves.

The YMCA’s 2025 Community Awards Service Awards were held Tuesday in Mukaiyama University Room at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, honoring those who have made significant contributions, not only to the Y, but to their communities overall. Those who ‘lead by example, lift up those around them and inspire the rest of us to do more, give more and care more.’

This year’s recipients of the George G. Blaisdell YMCA Community Service Awards were Patrick Hollenbeck and the Philo & Sarah Blaisdell Foundation.

Ron Orris, executive director of the foundation since 2016, accepted the award on behalf of the foundation.

As Bill Leven, who introduced Orris and the foundation, observed, ‘You can’t think of one without thinking of the other. They are intertwined. Ron epitomizes the intents of the foundation that Mr. Blaisdell had when he established it 75 years ago.’

Orris recalled a 1953 letter written by Blaisdell about the foundation, which he established in 1950. He wrote, Orris said, that the foundation ‘was formed on a basis whereby we can take care of most any situation.’ Later Blaisdell shared that he was ‘getting a tremendous thrill over it, more so than anything I have done in my life.’

‘Here was a man,’ Orris said, ‘who had a company that was 21 years old, he had invented the iconic Zippo lighter and his thrill was taking care of our community. I hope — I know he’s looking down — that he appreciates all we’re trying to do to keep his vision alive.’

Hollenbeck, whose nature to serve runs in his family, has been involved with many boards and committees, including the Olean YMCA, United Way of the Bradford Area, Downtown Bradford Revitalization Committee and Tuna Valley Trail Association. He is past president of Rising Leaders of Bradford, where he worked to establish a network for young professionals and later with Rising Leaders of McKean County.

He volunteers with Special Olympics and is head coach of the YMCA Barracudas swim team. Under his guidance, the team has broken 35 team records, producing district and state champions in the longstanding tradition of coach Caren Barnes.

Tony Scrivo, who introduced Hollenbeck, said, ‘Pat has built a legacy of excellence, community and heart. But more importantly, Pat has created a space where swimmers from across our region come to learn together and grow together.

‘Pat continues to live out the YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility in everything he does.’

The 2025 Ray C. Uhler YMCA Outstanding Youth Awards were presented to Mallory Craig, Bradford Area High School; Melaina Nicklas, Kane Area High School; Eva West, Oswayo Valley High School; Adelyn Bell, Otto-Eldred High School; Juuso Young, Port Allegany High School; YMCA… page A-8

Bradford YMCA held its 2025 Community Awards luncheon Tuesday at Pitt-Bradford. From left are Dan Sanders, Ron Orris, Patrick Hollenbeck, Juuso Young, Mallory Craig, Eva West, Haydn Riekofsky, Melaina Nicklas, Adelyn Bell, Rachel Volgstadt and Sami Placer. By SARA FURLONG

Era photo by Sara Furlong and Haydn Riekofsky, Smethport Area High School.

Craig will attend Alfred State College to study veterinary technology.

Bradford High School Dean of Students Ken Coffman said, “Mallory brings energy, kindness and drive to everything she does. She’s not just involved, she’s invested.

“She not only gets it done, but she gets it done gracefully and respectfully with everyone she comes in contact with. She is the well-rounded leader that every school and community hopes for.”

Nicklas will attend the University of Pittsburgh’s main campus to study biology.

Kira Schine, who stepped in to introduce Nicklas, said, “Melaina is a force of academic excellence and quiet determination. Ranked first in her class, she balances intelligence with compassion serving her community. Melaina approaches life with heart and purpose. Your drive to use your talents for good is inspiring, and your journey is just beginning.”

West will attend Penn State University to study animal science.

“Eva is a dedicated student, athlete and community leader,” her biography reads. “Her passion for agriculture, leadership and service sets her apart as an exceptional role model in both school and community.”

Bell will attend Miami University-Oxford on a pre-med track.

OEHS Principal Nicholas LaBella offered Bell’s introduction, stating she is “a remarkable young woman whose character can be described in six powerful words, ambitious, dedicated, empathetic, leader, yearning and noble. These qualities form an acrostic for Adelyn … a fitting tribute to someone who embodies each trait through her service, leadership and an unwavering commitment to her community and future.”

Young has received an appointment to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, where he will study law and legal studies.

Port Allegany Guidance Counselor George Riley said Young’s ever present smile is “the smile of of a young man who enjoys life — who wants to better those around him and make them happier. He has been captain of every sports team he has been on and gets along with everyone. He is a remarkable young man who is going to go on and do fantastic things.”

Smethport High School Principal Douglas Dickerson introduced Riekofsky, who will attend Shippensburg University to study software engineering.

“Haydn represents Smethport as a strong academic student with the highest ACT (college entrance exam) score that I’ve ever seen,” Dickerson said, adding he has also earned a varsity letter in track and cross-country all four years of his high school career. “Haydn is a driven and thoughtful leader with a bright future in engineering and education.”

Schine said, “Keep showing up, keep making your mark, and never underestimate the ripple effect of your actions. Thank you for being the future we are proud to believe in.”

The Cause Driven Leader of the Year Award went to Dan Sanders, whose “energy, generosity and passion,” Bradford YMCA Executive Director Emily Rhoades said, “move an entire community forward.”

The Excellence in Child Care Award was given to Rachel Volgstadt, as presented by Executive Director of Pennsylvania Child Care Kira Schine.

“Her dedication to our children, our families and our mission is unmatched, because here’s the truth. Programs don’t change lives, people do,” Schine said. “And every child needs someone like their Miss Rachel. Someone who will advocate for them, believe in them, and help them see their own potential. You are exactly what excellence in childcare looks like.”

Bradford YMCA Advisory Council member Harry Solarek presented the Policy Volunteer of the Year Award to Sami Placer, whom he described as “an accomplished, professional role model and allaround amazing woman who generously gives of her time, talent and treasure. A self-made woman who is very deserving of awards such as the Policy Volunteer of the Year Award.”

Rhoades then took a moment to recognize retiring board members Placer, Lisa Johnson and Erin Waugaman.

“Serving on a YMCA board isn’t just about attending meetings — it’s really about the vision, the stewardship, and it’s about the belief in the vision of the Y and the strength of community for everyone.”