The YMCA Youth Character Awards are an opportunity to recognize teens in our community.
The YMCA of Greater Louisville opens nominations to recognize students in our region based on their demonstration of the YMCA's core values of CARING, HONESTY, RESPECT, and RESPONSIBILITY as observed through their actions and service. Nominations are submitted from many sources including schools, parents, churches, and service organizations.
Each winner will receive a $2,500 scholarship award.
Learn about the 2023 Youth Character Award Winners and join us in congratulating them.
Reese Anderson
Sacred Heart Academy
Reese Anderson, founder of Reese's Cakes for a Cause, is a dedicated community volunteer. She raises funds for her foundation through custom cake baking, fundraisers, and teaching cupcake decorating classes. In addition, she partners with various organizations to provide kitchen supplies to those transitioning to independent living.
Reese's compassionate nature extends to her friends, as she has a nurturing spirit and supports those in need. Her foundation, established at the age of ten, reflects her honest dedication to helping others, and her babysitting responsibilities showcase her trustworthiness.
She maintains respect and healthy boundaries even in challenging situations, understanding the importance of mutual respect and grace. Reese effectively juggles her various commitments by prioritizing, organizing, and seeking help when needed. She aims to normalize teen volunteerism and actively involves her friends in her philanthropic endeavors.
In addition to her community service, Reese participates in local pageants and Miss Kentucky Teen, using these platforms to promote her mission of volunteerism. Her circle of friends appreciates her non-judgmental and unconditional love, making her a positive influence and mentor in the community. Reese strikes a balance between maturity and youthful fun, embodying the values of her family.
Aaron Bradford
W. E. B. Dubois Academy
Aaron Bradford is a young man with a strong dedication to community service and personal growth. From an early age, Aaron initiated various charitable activities such as blanket drives, feeding the hungry, and assisting veterans and those experiencing homelessness. He is actively engaged in his community by participating in activities such as planting vegetable gardens and leading reading groups for children.
To prepare for his future in engineering, Aaron attended the Brown-Forman Inspired Summer Enrichment Program, where he had the opportunity to network and learn about engineering concepts and college preparation. He is a member of several organizations, including Lions Lead Louisville, the Whitney M. Young Scholar College Readiness Program, Kappa League, and the YMCA Black Achievers program.
Additionally, Aaron takes on significant responsibilities within his family, including providing care and support to his sister with sickle cell disease and helping with homework and extracurricular activities for his younger siblings. He is a trustworthy individual who has demonstrated strong leadership skills.
Aaron Bradford is well-respected in his community and has been recognized by the Mayor for promoting youth reading. He actively supports various charitable organizations, including the Sickle Cell Association of Kentuckiana, the Youth in Action Network, Team Aarianna, and the YMCA. His dedication extends to his role as a youth counselor at the Catholic Education Center, where he helps collect and handle money and materials.
Aaron’s leadership qualities, excellent communication skills, and caring attitude make him an outstanding young leader who has made a positive impact in his community.
Catherine Grugel
South Oldham High School
Catherine "Catie" Grugel is a highly active and compassionate community member. She was deeply engaged in Girl Scouts for six years, contributing to numerous community projects like volunteering at nursing homes, and pet shelters, and making blankets. Alongside her academic commitments at South Oldham High School (SOHS), Catie excels in sports, with five years on the SOHS swim team, participation in track and field, and cross-country, earning varsity letters. She has also volunteered for community cleanup events.
Catie's love for animals is evident in her regular volunteer work at Adopt Me Bluegrass and her fostering of dogs during the pandemic. She extends her kindness by donating birthday gifts, participating in food drives, and Christmas Angel gift-buying for children in need. Her integrity, responsibility, and mentorship have made her an asset to the Plainview swim team, where she has earned several awards, including the SOHS Heart of the Dragon award.
As a natural leader, Catie has been involved in various community groups and has encouraged others to give back. Her compassionate approach to listening, respecting diverse opinions, and demonstrating a commitment to service sets her apart as a positive role model and an exemplary leader in her community.
Peyton Jones
J. Graham Brown School
Peyton Jones is a dedicated community leader, actively engaging with organizations like YMCA Black Achievers, Norton Hospital, and her mother's sorority, to address community needs. She embodies the YMCA character value of caring by participating in activities such as neighborhood cleanup and food distribution at homeless shelters.
Peyton's sense of responsibility extends to her family, where she is known for her honesty and leadership qualities. As a senior class officer, she emphasizes the importance of honesty and respect to younger students.
Peyton's deep respect for others and active listening skills define her as a standout representative of the YMCA character value of respect. She takes on various responsibilities in her life, from her role as a senior class officer to her job in the service industry.
As a student leader, Peyton influences her peers' school experiences. Her leadership within the Black Student Union showcases her commitment and tenacity. Peyton's exceptional character and dedication to her community and peers make her a remarkable individual.
Caroline Lindemier
South Oldham High School
Caroline Lindemier is a dedicated and involved individual in her community. She serves as a captain of the South Oldham High School (SOHS) varsity field hockey team and participates in various tournaments with the International Field Hockey Club of Kentuckiana (IFHCK). In addition to her athletic pursuits, she engages in track and field at SOHS and is a member of the National Honor Society and Beta Club. Her academic performance is outstanding, maintaining a 4.0 unweighted GPA and 4.38 weighted GPA. She actively volunteers in different capacities, including assisting with field hockey teams, participating in service events at Northeast Christian Church, and helping at HighPoint Charitable Services.
Caroline's caring nature shines through her volunteer work and her ability to connect with others, exemplifying the YMCA character value of caring. She demonstrated her love for others on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic, where she served the local community with dedication and empathy.
She is known for her authenticity and commitment to her values. She always fulfills her commitments and addresses conflicts with humility, seeking reconciliation. Her strong sense of respect is evident in her interactions, as she shows appreciation for the efforts of others and is quick to apologize on behalf of her coaches when necessary.
Despite her demanding schedule, Caroline maintains a high level of responsibility and organization. She successfully manages her time, balancing sports, academics, part-time work, and volunteer activities while consistently communicating with coaches, employers, and teachers to meet expectations and commitments.
Alexis Loveless
Sacred Heart Academy
Alexis Loveless, a dedicated advocate for youth heart disease awareness, emerged after her own health challenges due to a heart condition. She survived and now aims to prevent youth heart conditions from becoming tragedies. She engages in initiatives like promoting the American Academy of Pediatrics' sports screening questions and advocating for a bill that became law. She partnered with the American Heart Association (AHA) for educational videos and presentations and became the 2023 AHA National Youth Ambassador for youth cardiac disease education.
Through her honest social media presence, Alexis resonates with other teens. She displays tenacity by successfully returning to competitive dance after setbacks, including heart surgery. She responsibly manages her health, dietary restrictions, academics, and employment as a lifeguard. She has expanded her leadership roles in organizations like KYA, KUNA, and her varsity dance team. Her advocacy work led to Kentucky's first youth community heart screening program in her school. Alexis is a courageous advocate making a difference in youth heart disease awareness through her honesty, leadership, and resilience.
Kimberly Mattingly
Butler Traditional High School
Kimberly Mattingly is an exceptional individual with a long-standing commitment to community involvement. She's been a YMCA member since childhood, starting with swimming lessons and now working as a certified lifeguard. She actively participated in youth camps and volunteered for Sun Valley Community Center programs. Kimberly was a Junior Youth Counselor and assisted with the Senior Nutrition Program. She also lent her support to the ECHO program, which engages children in outdoor activities.
Her dedication extends to her church, where she and her Girl Scout troop volunteered to serve chicken dinners for the Knights of Columbus and assisted at church picnics. Kimberly is known for her kindness, empathy, and unwavering honesty. She's a multi-talented student, excelling academically with a 4.02 GPA, participating in swimming and archery, and maintaining perfect attendance since kindergarten.
Kimberly consistently demonstrates her character by reaching out to others, practicing honesty in a caring and respectful manner, and leading by example. Her unwavering commitment to her community, academic excellence, and her compassionate and respectful nature make her an exceptional role model and individual.
Emmalee Miller
Butler Traditional High School
Emmalee Miller is a dedicated student, from Southwest Louisville, with a strong commitment to community involvement. She actively serves in leadership roles with the Kentucky YMCA Youth Association. Emmalee has a deep passion for serving those with special needs, seen through her involvement in programs at Southeast Christian Church and her role as the Best Buddies chapter president at Butler Traditional High School.
Emmalee values truth and honesty, demonstrating integrity in her leadership positions. She's respected and humble, always ready to lend a hand without seeking the spotlight. Her responsibilities in various organizations highlight her willingness to be on the front lines for causes she cares about.
Despite her busy schedule, Emmalee finds a balance in her life, prioritizing commitments, and immersing herself in service to others. She is a passionate student who fosters inclusiveness in her community.
Emmalee's leadership is driven by a desire to give back to her community and make a difference, all while staying focused on what truly matters to her.
Ashley Nevison
duPont Manual High School
Ashley Nevison is a dedicated community volunteer. She began by sewing cat toys and donating masks to essential workers. Inspired by a homeless outreach event, she established Sergeant’s Army, providing over 28,800 hygiene bags to various organizations. She initiated the "Small Acts Add Up" outerwear drive, involving youth from around the world in donating items.
Ashley volunteers with organizations like Make a Wish, American Red Cross, and UofL Health. She is actively involved in her school, serving on the Student Council, cheerleading, and maintaining a 4.0 GPA.
She values kindness, spreading love through cards and treats to first responders, military personnel, and foster care children. Ashley respects and engages with volunteers of all ages. As the CEO/Founder of Sergeant’s Army, she manages all aspects and actively promotes volunteering on social media. Her dedication showcases her ability to inspire others to give back.
Landon Snyder
Oldham County High School
Landon Snyder is a compassionate and dedicated leader deeply involved in his community, school, and church, as well as numerous missions and ministries. His remarkable moral standards and character set him apart. Landon actively contributes to various activities and projects, both locally and in other states. His commitment extends to international mission trips. Landon is the District Scout in the Royal Rangers Ministry, representing all boys in Kentucky. He became National Scout in October 2023, representing boys from five states. His focus on honesty and high moral standards influences his role in teaching and mentoring others.
He has a heart for the underprivileged and demonstrates this through his compassionate service, especially to those who may be marginalized. Landon is known for his commitment to caring for his sisters, including a 6-year-old sibling with special needs.
His respect for others is evident in how he resolves conflicts and acknowledges the efforts of others. He exhibits obedience and courteousness, important values in the Royal Rangers Ministry, and his high character has resulted in his selection for multiple leadership roles.
Landon manages a demanding schedule efficiently, balancing academics, sports, part-time work, and volunteer opportunities. His dedication, commitment, and leadership abilities have lead to his role as Scout and positions on various staff.