Franklin Community Leaders Recognized At Hockomock Area YMCA Annual Meeting

The annual meeting of the Hockomock Area YMCA was held on May 17th at Lake Pearl in Wrentham. The organization gave special recognition to several members of the community, including Hailey DeMello and Jeff Nutting.

The Youth of the Year Award was awarded to Hailey DeMello of Franklin. The award recognizes youth members of the Hockomock Area YMCA who, as a result of their commitment and dedication, make a positive impact on the YMCA and the community. DeMello, a senior at Franklin High School, is a camp counselor at the Bernon Family Branch in Franklin, a member on the executive board of the Leaders Club, as well as this year’s captain of the Relay for Life team. 

Hailey DeMello

She attributes her work at a local women’s shelter to the confidence instilled in her during her time at the Y’s Bernon Family Branch, also emphasizing the importance of the work done at the YMCA. “A lot of the work the Y does goes unnoticed,” said DeMello. “But we do it anyway. Because it’s helping people who need it.” Following her high school graduation, DeMello intends to pursue a double major in history and communications at the University of New Hampshire, with the goal to work in either public relations or secondary education.

Jeff Nutting received the Red Triangle Award for the Bernon Family Branch in Franklin – an award which recognizes individuals for their partnership and support of the programs and activities of the YMCA, which meet the changing needs of the community. Nutting has served as the Town Administrator for Franklin since 2001, and from the beginning has been invaluable in providing important services such as clean air, clean water, and well-maintained roads to the town to which he is so dedicated. 

Representative Jeff Roy presents to Jeff Nutting

In the words of Jeff Roy, who presented the award to Nutting, “Jeff Nutting exemplifies all of the actions that are demonstrated by the Red Triangle Award, and I think he epitomizes the notion of where cause meets community.” Nutting himself believes wholeheartedly in the importance of the Bernon Family Branch to local families, saying that “in a difficult world, the Y offers opportunities for so many people whether it is a respite for those who might be struggling emotionally or financially, or a supportive place for people and families to exercise and be active.”

The Dean College YMCA Scholarship Award, which is awarded to one deserving high school graduate, was given to Oliva Wilcox at this year’s annual meeting.

Olivia Wilcox pictured with Dean College Dean Gerry Shaw and Dean College President Paula Rooney

Other awards given at the annual meeting included the Chairman’s Award given to The Spier family of Foxborough and the Character Counts Award given to Father David Costa of North Attleboro.

About Hockomock Area YMCA:

Where Cause Meets Community. At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility.

Our YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities we are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information visit hockymca.org.