Hannah Hills, a proud senior at Boothbay Region High School, embodies the spirit of youth development through her leadership, her dedication to academic excellence, and her active involvement in extracurricular pursuits.Her journey reflects the core values championed by the Boothbay Region YMCA, inspiring her peers and community alike. 

Growing up amidst Maine’s rugged coastline, Hannah has always been drawn to the water. Whether she’s kayaking in the bay, sailing with family, or volunteering with local conservation efforts, water has become a source of inspiration and tranquility for her. This affinity not only nurtures her appreciation for nature but also instills in her a sense of responsibility to protect the environment. Her efforts in promoting water safety and conservation highlight her commitment to stewardship and community service. 

Academically, Hannah is a dedicated student who consistently challenges herself with rigorous coursework. Her interests span a wide range of subjects, with particular enthusiasm for science and environmental studies. She has participated in science fairs, earning accolades for projects related to marine ecosystems and water quality. Her academic pursuits demonstrate her inquisitive nature and her desire to contribute meaningful solutions to pressing environmental concerns. Hannah’s commitment to learning exemplifies the YMCA’s value of personal growth and lifelong education. 

Beyond academics, Hannah actively engages in extracurricular activities that foster family and community involvement. She was a 12-year member of the Y’s Dolphin swim team, where she exemplified teamwork, discipline, and resilience. She joined the swim team when she was six years old, and her parents and brother have been right alongside her every step of the way. She said, “my parents have been the undeclared head coaches for over 10 years and have learned so much and have worked so hard to make the team successful.They put in countless hours to not only support me, but to help the whole team.I don’t know where I’d be right now without them, and I know others on the team feel the same way.” 

Additionally, Hannah is a musician; trumpet is her favoredinstrument, but she also plays guitar, flute and the piano.She has participated in musicals at the high school and volunteers with other local organizations.  Hannah’s big heart shines through her ability to motivate others and by her dedication to service, both embodying the YMCA’s youth development principles of leadership, responsibility, and engaged citizenship. 

Hannah will be on and beside the water this summer lifeguarding at the Y and working alongside her mother who pilots the Novelty, the ferry to Squirrel Island from Boothbay Harbor.As she prepares to matriculate to the Maine Maritime Academy in the fall, Hannah's journey remains a testament to the transformative power of engaging in meaningful pursuits, growing through service, and embracing the natural world. She says that what she will miss the most is “the community of people I have met and cultivated through my connection to the Y.This is one of the places where I have spent the most time and where I have made meaningful relationships. I will be glad to visit even after I am off to college.” 

Hannah exemplifies the values of youth development that the Boothbay Region YMCA strives to cultivate. As a youth representative on the Y’s Board of Trustees for the past three years, Hannah sets a powerful example for her peers, and starting this month, the Y will welcome Natalie Flagg ’28, Sarah Harris ’27 (for her second year), and AJ Crocker ’27 as youth representatives.

When asked to provide advice for the new youth representatives on the board, she advises to “ask lots of questions, push out of your comfort zone, step out of the normal, and know that you are doing something that makes a difference with our peers and in the community. Mostly, have fun!”