Foundation President Peter J. Klein recently presented “The Claire Award,” $2,500 in college scholarships, to three Huntington YMCA camp counselors—Dan Miele, Shea Naughton and Mackenzie Maloney in recognition of their outstanding leadership qualities. “The Claire Award” recognizes Long Islanders who have exemplified Claire Friedlander’s legacy of doing good deeds for others, showing kindness to all, and instilling hope in the midst of difficulty. “The foundation proudly partners with the YMCA on programming that focuses on mentorship and leadership skills to shape the leaders of tomorrow,” said Klein. “It’s our pleasure to see them go off to higher education with this recognition and extra funding.”
“These outstanding young leaders continue embody Claire’s legacy by showering others with overwhelming compassion and putting the needs of campers before their own,” said Eileen Knauer, Chief Operating Officer at the YMCA of Long Island. “We cannot think of any three individuals more deserving for this award.”
The three counselors were chosen out of 106 personnel who were nominated by a review committee made up of YMCA leadership staff. Each nominee was judged on their efforts to go “above and beyond the call of duty” as camp counselors and for the transformational experience they create for fellow staff and campers alike.
The award ceremony was held at the Huntington YMCA in Huntington, N.Y. on Thursday, August 16, 2018, prior to the start of college. For more information click here.
Huntington YMCA camp leadership staff and Eileen Knauer, YMCA LI Chief Operating Officer, pictured with Peter J. Klein, President of The Claire Friedlander Family Foundation who awarded “The Claire Award”, a college scholarship of $2,500 each, to Shea Naughton, Dan Miele, and Mackenzie Maloney (accepted by her sister, Shannon Maloney, pictured). The three award recipients, pictured in green t-shirts, went above and beyond the call of duty, being selected out of more than 100 personnel.