The Princeton YMCA recently recognized two college students from the area for their leadership skills.
Jordan McDonald of Franklin Park and Samantha Adamczyk of Lawrenceville are the recipients of the fifth annual YMCA Alexander K. Buck Leadership Award.
The Buck Award, established in memory of longtime Princeton resident and community supporter Alexander “Whip” K. Buck, is presented annually to two camp counselors who embody and demonstrate leadership qualities and values Buck cherished.
The qualities and characteristics include demonstrating the YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility; showing humility and kindness to others in actions, words and deeds; serving as a good citizen in the camp community and showing a love of democratic principles of fairness and respect; possessing an infectious spirit of fun and adventure and inspiring others to follow; valuing the natural environment and encouraging others to do the same; demonstrating a balance of spirit, mind and body as a well-rounded individual; learning from mistakes and accepting and sharing wisdom; putting others first, being committed to serving others at every turn, and being a good friend to all.
“Mr. Buck’s extraordinary life as a longtime supporter of the YMCA mission and many other important community organizations continues to inspire our Y family and others,” said Paul Zeger, Princeton Family YMCA senior program director. “This annual award gives us a happy occasion to remember him while serving as a wonderful testimony to his good works and legacy.”
Samantha Adamczyk joined the Princeton Family YMCA summer camp this year as the nature camp director. She received the leadership award for her dedication to working with children, friendliness, positive attitude and inspiring a love of the outdoors. She attends Unity College in Maine, where she studies sustainable science.
Jordan McDonald is serving as a YMCA camp counselor for the second year in a row with the Y’s M.V.P. Sports Camp. A rising sophomore at George Washington University and a Hun School alumnus, he has a passion for athletics and enjoys using sports as a tool to teach teamwork and values to children.
“I love being able to influence kids and teach them, but also learn from them,” he said.
Adamczyk and McDonald each received a plaque and certificate in recognition of their achievements.