Gaston County YMCA lifeguard receives prestigious honor

Blue Ridge Leaders’ School has been shaping Y leaders since 1922, supporting local Leaders Club programs and encouraging the leaders of tomorrow. Each year, the Gaston County Family YMCA sends promising teens to the School, and they return with new confidence, independence, and leadership skills. This year, our own Nicholas D’Avria was selected as one of only five Honor Leaders at the July session, a distinction that brings both pride and responsibility.

Nicholas joined Leaders Club in 2020 and quickly invested in Y programs that strengthen our community. With his club, he first attended Blue Ridge Leaders’ School in 2021.

What Y volunteer activity made you want to stay involved?

“My favorite YMCA volunteer activity is always Parents’ Night Out. I loved creating a fun, safe space for kids while giving parents a well-deserved break. Whether it was organizing games, leading crafts, or just sitting together eating pizza, it was always an enjoyable time.”

How did you get involved with lifeguarding? What was the impact?

“I became a lifeguard at the end of my freshman year of high school. I’d been swimming competitively for a few years and felt lifeguarding would be a good fit. Being a lifeguard has taught me so much, life-saving skills, responsibility, and how to work as part of a team.”

Becoming an Honor Leader is no easy feat. Out of about 450 students at Blue Ridge this July, only five were chosen. Asked how he reached this milestone, Nicholas said, “Having a great group around me in my club, people who helped and motivated me every step, made all the difference.”

What is your favorite part of Leaders Club?

“Volunteering across different YMCA programs and giving back to my community. I also love watching my club members grow as leaders and become better versions of themselves.”

What is your favorite part of Leaders’ School?

“The people. At Leaders’ School, you meet so many new faces and everyone makes you feel included. It’s a welcoming, nurturing environment where you can connect with anyone you meet.”

What is the impact of being elected Honor Leader?

“It’s a huge honor. I remember my first year on the mountain, seeing how influential the Honor Leaders were for us first-years. Being awarded that role shows my peers believe I have similar qualities—and it makes me feel I can positively impact others’ lives.”

What are you excited or nervous about?

“I’m excited to welcome all the new and returning leaders and help them grow. I’m a little nervous about bringing two Schools back into one, which doubles the number of people—but I know my fellow Honor Leaders and I were chosen for a reason, and we’ll make the transition smooth and memorable.”

Why should someone else get involved with Leaders?

“Leaders Club is an amazing opportunity. It’s taught me leadership and life skills I’ll use forever. Helping my community gives me a real sense of purpose and pride. Leaders Club is a chance to make a difference while becoming the best version of yourself.”

Honor Leaders from across the Southeast help plan the next year’s School, from themes and “words of the day” to the focus of teaching sessions. We’re confident Nicholas will excel in this role.

Congratulations, Nicholas—and good luck next year!

Tying it together: our mission and how to get involved

At the Y, our mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. Stories like Nicholas’s are why we invest in teen programming, leadership, service, and lifesaving skills, because when one young person finds purpose, the whole community is stronger.

Inspired by Nicholas? Here are ways to take the next step:

• Join Leaders Club: Build skills, serve others, and find your voice.

• Volunteer: Support events like Parents’ Night Out or community programs.

• Support the work: Your gift fuels teen leadership opportunities like Leaders’ School.

Learn more or get started at gastonymca.org (search “Leaders Club”) or visit your local branch Welcome Desk.