LITTLE SILVER: RBR TEEN HONORED BY NJ YMCA
Press release from Red Bank Regional High School
In a ceremony last month, the New Jersey YMCA State Alliance honored Red Bank Regional High School senior Nicholas Villalobos-Best at the organization’s 16th Annual Recognition Celebration.
The Union Beach resident (pictured at center) was among the more than 20 students recognized at the ceremony; a group of teens and pre-teens who, in the words of NJ YMCA State Alliance President Diane Mann, “have demonstrated their character values by volunteering in a variety of ways to serve others through the Y.”
Nicholas was nominated for this accolade by YMCA Community Outreach Director Joann Rountree, who supervised him in the Teen Achievers Initiative, a college readiness club. She explained that Nicholas mentored his peers and always volunteered for activities, including speaking at aYMCA Board Meeting and fundraiser events.
Nicholas was first introduced to the YMCA as a grateful recipient of their Family Success Center. Four years ago, Nicholas and his family lost everything in Super Storm Sandy. The YMCA’s Family Success Center, along with other charities, helped his family find the resources and networks to assist in their recovery effort.