The YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas recognized the 2025 Middlesex Family YMCA Volunteer of the Year and Teen Volunteer of the Year at its Community Impact Dinner on April 16.
Megan Howell was named Volunteer of the Year for her longstanding dedication to the Middlesex Family YMCA. Howell has been instrumental in planning and organizing the Middlesex Family YMCA Golf Classic and the Jingle Bell 5K for several years. She has served on the YMCA’s Advisory Board since January 2022 and currently serves as co-chairman of the Philanthropy-Special Events Committee, providing leadership and support for key fundraising efforts that benefit the community.
Charlotte Smith was recognized as Teen Volunteer of the Year for her outstanding contributions to the Jingle Bell 5K medal project through the St. Clare Walker Middle School STEM Club. Smith went above and beyond by assisting daily with 3D printing, completing additional medal designs when needed, creating a new Jingle Bell running elf ornament, and volunteering to speak at the race about the medal‑making process — helping make the project its most successful year yet.
