Four Hillsborough residents were honored for their local volunteer efforts last month at the Somerset County and Plainfield YMCA sponsored Volunteer Spirit Awards and Annual Campaign Celebration.
The event was held at the Bridgewater Marriott on April 17 during National Volunteer Month where 12 volunteers were honored with Spirit Awards.
Each recipient was nominated for their commitment, service, creativity, cooperation and/or leadership toward helping the Y fulfill its mission of strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
Recipients for the awards were recognized for laurels from a select set of categories such as leadership, lifetime achievement and philanthropy.
Three of the YMCA awards 12 Somerset County residents endowed that evening with Volunteer Spirit Awards, included four recipients from Hillsborough– Tapasya Nangpal. Gary and Kelly Ward and Stephen Soisson.
Nangpal received the Youth Award from David M. Carfcieri, President and CEO of Somerset County and Plainfield YMCA. The organization’s officials said that Nangpal was acknowledged for her perseverance and dedication, which they believed help successfully launch the Model UN Program and increase participation in the Youth and Government Program. Officials said that she spends individual time with students to ensure they are ready to attend the Model UN or Youth and Government conferences.
Gary and Kelly Ward received the Family Award from Dan Roth, Director of Competitive Aquatics at Bridgewater YMCA and Kim Cole, Branch Executive Director of Hillsborough YMCA, and Somerset County and Plainfield YMCA President and CEO David M. Carcieri. Officials said that the Wards are both integral in their volunteer commitments to Somerset County and Plainfield YMCA. Gary currently serves as Chair of SVY Swim Team Parent Organization, and Kelly, a past Hillsborough YMCA Branch Board member, currently serves on the Hillsborough Branch Financial Assistance Committee.
Soisson received the Leadership Award from Hillsborough YMCA Branch Executive Director Kim Cole and Somerset County and Plainfield YMCA President and CEO David M. Carcieri. Officials said that Soisson served on the Hillsborough YMCA Branch Board since 2015, serving in various capacities including Board Development and Annual Campaign Chair.
To learn about more opportunities to get involved in the community through volunteering at the Y, visit somersetcountyymca.org.