Volunteers honored for improving lives

By Nicole Rosales

The YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas held its 2026 Annual Celebration on Thursday, April 16 at the Hilton Anatole to recognize volunteers who have dedicated their time in service to the Y’s mission and vision. This year, 21 volunteers were formally recognized with top awards for their contributions to the Y and the North Texas community.

“Serving others is the foundation of the YMCA,” said Curt Hazelbaker, President & CEO, YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas. “When you volunteer, you’re making a choice to connect and build a community. We’re deeply touched and honored to see our neighbors and civic leaders find their purpose at the Y. This celebration is about recognizing their efforts and contributions in helping to improve the lives of North Texans.”

Felix J. Lozano III —Theodore P. Beasley Distinguished 

Leadership Award

The award honors exceptional volunteer leadership and unwavering commitment to strengthening communities.

Lozano embodies the spirit of this award through his visionary leadership, deep engagement, and passion for the YMCA’s mission, spanning 31 years. He guided the Y through key milestones, including the redevelopment and groundbreaking of the new Park South Family YMCA, the same branch where he has spent countless weekends packing and sorting items for food distribution.

Lozano played a pivotal role in advancing the organization’s impact, serving as Chair of two successful Association Annual Campaigns, and is the only volunteer to serve as Board Chair for both the Dallas and Fort Worth YMCA Associations. His leadership continues to inspire, reflecting a deep belief in the YMCA’s power to transform lives.

Paul Taylor — 

Charles P. Storey Award 

The Charles P. Storey Strong Communities Award is presented to a YMCA volunteer who has demonstrated commitment and has been instrumental in creation and perpetuation of a local YMCA.

Taylor is recognized for his lifetime of service that has shaped and strengthened Camp Grady Spruce and the YMCA community. His journey began as a camper in the 1960s and evolved into a lifelong commitment as a counselor, board leader, campaign chair and devoted volunteer, guiding key initiatives in fundraising, governance, and facilities development.

Through his company, Paul Taylor Homes, he’s played an extraordinary role in building and improving Camp Grady Spruce. For more than 30 years, Taylor has led the construction of major camp facilities at no profit, ensuring resources go further to serve youth and families. Alongside his wife Beth, Paul continues to invest both personally and philanthropically, most recently supporting the development of the new Welcome Center and Ray Bean cabins. More than 250,000 campers have benefited from spaces Paul helped create.

His legacy is one of humility, generosity, and unwavering commitment to ensuring Camp thrives for generations to come.

Sam Winstead Volunteer of the Year Awards:

• Camp Grady Spruce — Jennifer Gibbs

• Coppell Family YMCA — Alpheaus Johnson

• Cross Timbers Family YMCA — Zach Milwood

• Frisco Family YMCA — Julianne Amezcua

• Grand Prairie Family YMCA — Linda Tezeno

• J.E.R. Chilton YMCA at Rockwall — Ronny Pewitt

• Lake Highlands Family YMCA — Craig Bradley

• McKinney Family YMCA — Jessica Rattan

• Moody Family YMCA — Christopher Liverman

• Moorland Family YMCA at Oak Cliff — Mark Fleenor

• Park South Family YMCA – Maurice West

• Plano Family YMCA – Ben Baker

• Richardson Family YMCA – Brent Conrad

• Semones Family YMCA — Susan Parker

• T. Boone Pickens YMCA — Jamar Johnson

• Waxahachie Family YMCA — Brett Hess

• White Rock YMCA — Nathan Offerdahl

Youth Character Awards:

• Coppell Family YMCA — Samarth Srinavis

• Frisco Family YMCA — Mason Dudly

To learn more or get involved in improving our local communities, have opportunities to make an impact, visit ymcadallas.org.