UTC/YMCA Youth Citizenship Award for Outstanding Volunteer

For Immediate Release
Media Contact:
Will Kusek, 860-522-9622 x2336
Woodstock resident Erin McDowell awarded
UTC/YMCA Youth Citizenship Award for
outstanding volunteer service
Erin McDowell of Woostock was awarded one of three United Technologies/ YMCA
Wesley A. Kuhrt Youth Citizenship Awards for Community Service at the YMCA of
Greater Hartford’s recent annual meeting. The awards are made in memory of a man
known for his outstanding volunteer and professional leadership, the late Wesley A.
Kuhrt, who was president of Sikorsky Aircraft and a former United Technologies
Corporation Senior Vice President.
Erin McDowell is a senior at Marianapolis Preparatory School. She has volunteered
her time with the Special Olympics and the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp. But it was
her trip and service to the Boston Rescue Mission that changed her whole attitude on
life. As she wrote in her essay, Erin said she learned the true meaning of the words
“going without” in her Boston trip.
“Interacting with those who had nothing taught me many lessons about my own life
and the blessings I had been given. It was inspirational to meet people who had
virtually nothing but still managed to smile and laugh with others. This trip taught
me what my true passion is, helping others not as a resume builder, but to enjoy the
selflessness of aiding those in need,” said McDowell.
The UTC/YMCA Youth Citizenship Awards are presented annually to young YMCA
program participants ages 15 to 20, who have strongly demonstrated an ongoing
commitment to volunteer service. Through their experience at the YMCA, applicants
and winners alike learn the YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect and
responsibility, helping them to become positive role models and leaders in their
communities.
PHOTO CAPTION: Pictured at the YMCA of Greater Hartford Annual Meeting are
Jerry Gooden, Chairman of the Board of the YMCA of Greater Hartford, United
Technologies/YMCA Wesley A. Kuhrt Youth Citizenship Award winner Erin McDowell,
and Jay Kuhrt, son of Wesley A. Kuhrt.
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The YMCA of Greater Hartford is a non- profit 501 (c) (3) charitable organization established in 1852 and is
one of the nation’s oldest YMCA’s. The YMCA of Greater Hartford builds strong communities by helping
individuals reach their fullest potential through transformative programs that promote Youth
Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility. We help people reach their fullest potential by:
putting a caring adult in the presence of every child; being good stewards of the resources entrusted to
us; and working in partnership to eliminate the disparities in health and education. In 2013 the YMCA of
Greater Hartford served more than 120,000 people, including 66,000 children, in 52 towns and cities
throughout the Capital Region. YMCA programs put the values of caring, honesty, respect and
responsibility into practice to build healthy spirit, mind and body for all participants. Ghymca.org