Down East Family YMCA Announces 2025 Award Winners

Honorees include volunteers, employees, and youth mentors

April 28, 2026

By staff

BLUE HILL—The Down East Family YMCA announced the 2025 DEFY award winners, saying in a press release that the organization is “proud to recognize a remarkable group of individuals whose dedication, leadership, and service embody the YMCA’s mission of strengthening community.”

Teddy Saunders Award

This award is presented annually to high school students who exemplify outstanding character, leadership, athletic achievement, and a strong commitment to community, the release said.

• Blue Hill: Annika Marshall & Taylor Grego

• Bucksport: Isobel Wardwell & Sophie Jackson

• Wiggins (Ellsworth): Cooper Mitchell & Whitney Jordan

Teen Employee of the Year

According to the release, this annual award honors “exceptional young staff members who demonstrate responsibility, initiative, and a positive impact on members and peers.”

• Blue Hill: Georgia Clews

• Bucksport: Abby Wilson

• Ellsworth: Kelsie Young

Volunteer of the Year

This award recognizes individuals who “generously give their time and energy to support YMCA programs and strengthen our community,” the release said.

• Blue Hill: Rick Alexander

• Bucksport: Kelly Knight

• Wiggins: Lisa Arhontes-Marshall

Service to Youth Award

This award celebrates an individual who has made “a lasting and meaningful impact on the lives of young people through unwavering dedication and support,” the release said.

• Jon Wood

DEFY will host a celebration of the “local heroes” on May 6 at the Wiggins Gymnasium in Ellsworth. According to the release, the event will also feature a brief presentation about the “future of the YMCA.”

For more information, and to RSVP for the event, please contact Jean Wood at jwood@defymca.org by April 30.