A person who constantly strives to improve the quality of people’s lives received the Boothbay Region YMCA’s highest honor during the organization’s annual meeting April 12.

BRYMCA former board member and past president Peggy Pinkham was named “Volunteer of the Year.”

Board member Jonathan Tindal presented Pinkham with the award and described her as someone “committed to the well-being of our peninsula.” Tindal called her a “great leader, listener and delegator.”

Pinkham has served on several Y boards, including governance, finance, human resources, and strategic task force.

“Our Y has benefited greatly from her gifts of time and skill. She is focused on problem-solving. We all know Peggy is a wonderful friend and person. So please join me in honoring her as Volunteer of the Year.”

The Y also honored four other volunteers.

The Youth of the Year Award is given to those who guide and mentor the Y’s youngest members. One of this year’s winners, Rick Hilscher, began in the Y’s Kiddie Choir and 10 years later he now mentors new members. Arts and Humanities Director Emily Mirabile described Hilscher as being committed to guiding performers of all ages.

“He is a friend and role model to our Kiddie Choir members. He welcomes every child with open arms and strives to create a fun and safe environment that Y Arts is all about,” she said.

A second volunteer, Lincoln Hamblett, also received Youth of the Year Award. Youth and Membership Coordinator Logahn Walker described her as a dedicated volunteer. Hamblett assisted the Kiddie Choir with its current “I Love Maine” and “Winnie the Pooh” productions.

“She continuously demonstrates the Y’s core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. During February break, she helped organized youth sporting events and March Madness. This summer, she is in the summer camp counselor-in-training program,” Walker said. “We have all witnessed her growth and how she encourages others to reach their full potential.”

Heather Hills received the Program Service Award for her participation in the swim program. Aquatics Director Shane Pennington said Hills’ energy and positive attitude made her an outstanding swim coach.

“She leads by example and was a big help by stepping forward this year to coach the swim team,” Pennington said.

Boothbay Harbor Police Officer Larry Brown received the Character Development Award. Y director Hannah Morley described Brown as a person who inspires students to be their best.

“I can’t think of a more deserving recipient,” Morley said. “This individual truly cares about the youth in the community and always helps them reach their goals and potential.”

The Y also gave special recognition to John and Jane Lunt of Southport who served as the 2015 Annual Fund chairmen. Director of Development Lisa Van Dyk said it was privilege learning how, for four decades, the Y had been a part of the Lunt family.

“I want to thank them for sharing their story and dedication to the BRYMCA,” Van Dyk said.

In 2015, the annual fund campaign theme was “Pay It Forward.” In 2016, it’s “For A Better Us.” Board President Rick Elder said 2016 was already off to a great start. He described “For A Better Us” as inspiring people to eat better, be safe, spend more time together, and grow.

“Sadly, in today’s society these things aren’t always easy. For 60 years, this Y has served the Boothbay Region. The bottom line is it does things to make us a better community,” Elder said.

The Y also recognized the following staff and volunteers for their past service: Michael Maxim and Heather McDaniel, five years; Alex Arsenault, Emily Mirabile, and I.J. Pinkham, 10 years; Pat Fraker, Richard Teague, and Tracy Gauthier; 15 years; and Melissa Nein, 20 years.