Buell honored by YMCA

The Merrimack Valley YMCA celebrated its 144th Annual Meeting by recognizing volunteers – including one from Methuen – for their community service and dedication to the values of the Y.

The annual meeting was held Nov. 14 at the Vault in Lawrence.

The Y presented youth empowerment organization Socratic Inc., and its founder, Socrates De La Cruz of Lawrence, with the Community Partner of the Year Award.

In addition, these community members were honored for their support of the Y’s branches.

*Linda Buell of Methuen was recognized by the Methuen Y for leadership of the food pantry, which serves more than 4,100 families monthly.

*Central Catholic High School Principal Chris Sullivan was honored for his dedication and years of service to the Lawrence Y, serving on the board and working with its teen programs.

*Melanie Griffin of Tewksbury was awarded by the Andover/North Andover Branch for a being a champion of the Y who gives her time, passion and ideas to make the Y the best place it can be.

*Alan Dorson of Epping, N.H., a past winner, has been a steadfast leader for the Y Camping Services Branch, which includes three camp programs. His stewardship of the Complete the Fleet campaign has helped the Y to raise $1.6 million toward a $2 million goal to modernize the island camp boat transportation fleet.

“We are so proud to recognize our volunteers who have given so much of themselves to support the Y’s mission,” said Francis J. Kenneally III, Merrimack Valley YMCA CEO and president. “These dedicated volunteers and partners play a key role in the success that we have had an organization this past year.”

To learn more about the Merrimack Valley YMCA and its programs, visit mvymca.org.