CHAPEL HILL- Colin Ashley is proof positive that hard work and dedication pays off. After over 1000 hours of volunteer service and four years of setting an example with his attitude, leadership and desire to serve, Colin has been named a YMCA Honor Leader. It's a title that few young men and women can claim.

The YMCA Leaders Club is a volunteer organization for teenagers ages 13—18. It combines service learning and physical fitness, and involves teenagers in YMCA programs, giving them the opportunity to learn about the YMCA through leading programs.

Each year, over 600 teenagers from across the Southeast U.S. converge on the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly in Black Mountain, NC for the Blue Ridge Leaders School. At the School, teens take part in a curriculum that includes science & fitness, character building, coaching & officiating and leadership classes. During the week, participants and staff vote on Honor Leaders—those young men and women who exemplify what it means to be a YMCA Leader. Of the nearly 650 leaders in attendance, only 4 men and 4 women are honored with the recognition. Colin is the first Chapel Hill—Carrboro YMCA Leader to be chosen as a YMCA Honor Leader.

Ashley graduated this year from the Carolina Friends School and will attending Gardner Webb University this fall, majoring in Business with a minor in YMCA studies. He also plans to play soccer for the University. He is currently spending the summer working as a camp counselor at the Chapel Hill—Carrboro YMCA.

Related Links

1. http://www.chcymca.org