A potluck supper with chili, sloppy Joes, mac and cheese, meatballs, American chop suey, salads, chips, soft drinks, desserts and more was the precursor to the Boothbay Region YMCA Dolphin swim team’s annual Awards Night Tuesday, April 12 in the Y gymnasium. Attendance numbered 122 people.

The Dolphins’ 35-plus swimmers from ages 5 to 15 were presented certificates, state meet ribbons and trophies and special awards from their coaches Zach Gray and Mike and Heather Hills. Gray commented on every swimmer’s accomplishments during the season by age groups, while the Hillses took care of organizing the dozens of awards laid out on a couple of tables. The Hillses are volunteer coaches who, according to the night’s program, “dedicated countless hours helping our swimmers at practices, meets and behind the scenes.”

Meet officials were also recognized by Gray. They included Jen Whitney, Robert Watts, Adam Smart, Ross Branch, Dan Parrot, Henry Hurford and Scott Yeomans. Gray also thanked head timer Bruce Harris and the volunteer parents, as well as Sara Watts and Dan Phelps for running the Hy Tel/Meet software.

Glass-embossed special awards – Most Valuable, Most Improved and Dolphin Awards – were presented, decided upon after countless hours of discussion by the three coaches. The Most Valuable award goes to a swimmer who scored the most points in any scoring competition throughout the season. The Most Improved award goes to the swimmer who has improved the most over the course of the year. This could be developing skills, competing in new events, and/or improving in time as factors. The Dolphin Award goes to athletes who best exemplify what it means to be a Dolphin swimmer. These swimmers consistently demonstrate the four core values of Caring, Respect, Honesty and Responsibility.

MVPs were Austin Chryplewicz, Nathalie Wilson, Byran Hills, Lucie Hollon, Miles Murray, Allison Smart, Hannah Hills and Keegan Murray.

MIPs were Wyatt Lassen, Zoey Gray, Emma Doucette, Myer Phelps, Shea Fritz, Carter Wilson, Casey Phelps, Tatum French and Rath Schoenthal.

Dolphin Award winners were Finn Leeman, Kameron Fowlie, Elise Wilson, Avery Fowlie, Olivia Carlson, Nyssa Wilkinson and Trey Tibbetts.

The Leadership Award goes to one swimmer who willingly demonstrates leadership qualities through personal sacrifice, loyalty and dedication for the improvement of themselves and fellow swimmers. Their strong will to succeed is pushed by desire to help themselves both in and out of the pool. This year’s recipient was Ella Watts.

The Hills Service Awards, presented to those who provide hours of “outstanding service, dedication and volunteerism for the Dolphin swim team,” went to Scott Yeomans and Adam Smart.