Emma Kasarda was awarded the Youth of the Year Award by the Portage Township YMCA. She was presented the award by Cathi Srednoslac, Preschool/Gymnastics Coordinator. "Emma has been on the gymnastics team for about 5 years and she has also volunteered in the gym for several years now. She also volunteers at events we have such as evening with Santa and Healthy Kids Day. Emma is a positive influence in the gym and has a great attitude. She is very involved at school too holding a 4.0 grade average and being inducted into the National Honor Society this Tuesday. Emma is also involved in Student Council and is on the track and middle school gymnastics team. Emma has possessed great leadership skills throughout her time at the Y. She has completed several programs that the Y offers including preschool, teen events and most of all gymnastics. Emma is just an awesome person," said Cathi.
The Youth of the Year Award was started by the Y's founder and first board president Russell A. Willis. The award is granted yearly to an outstanding person displaying several leadership qualities. This award is a $1,000 scholarship granted to an institution of higher learning upon completing graduation.