ROCKWALL, TX (April 22, 2026) — The YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas hosted its 140th Annual Celebration on Thursday, April 16 at the Hilton Anatole, recognizing volunteers whose dedication supports the Y’s mission of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. This year, 21 individuals across North Texas were honored with top awards for their service and impact in their communities.
J.E.R. Chilton YMCA at Rockwall Names Ronny Pewitt Volunteer of the Year
Among this year’s honorees, the J.E.R. Chilton YMCA at Rockwall proudly recognized Ronny Pewitt as its Sam Winstead Volunteer of the Year, highlighting his more than a decade of dedicated service to the YMCA Dallas Swim League.
The YMCA Dallas Swim League connects swimmers from branches across North Texas in a season of meets that blend competition with community, giving young athletes a place to develop discipline, confidence, and a lasting connection to the sport. Behind each meet is a team of trained volunteers who ensure events run smoothly and fairly—roles that are essential to the league’s success.
Pewitt has faithfully served the YMCA Dallas Swim League as a volunteer swim official for the past 11 years. He began as a Level 1 official and advanced to Level 2 through his commitment, leadership, and deep knowledge of the sport. Over time, he has taken on increased responsibility, serving as both Chief Judge and Meet Referee for Dallas YMCA Swim League meets.
His connection to the YMCA began at a young age, when he swam for the Waxahachie Family YMCA Swim Team. Today, that lifelong connection continues through his service, where he plays an important role in supporting youth development through competitive swimming.
Pewitt was recognized not only for his years of service, but for the consistency, leadership, and positive impact he brings to the YMCA program and the families it serves.
“Serving others is the foundation of the YMCA,” said Curt Hazelbaker, President and CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas. “When you volunteer, you’re making a choice to connect and build a community. This celebration is about recognizing those efforts and the impact they have on improving lives across North Texas.”
In addition to the local honoree, the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas presented two of its highest organizational awards. Felix J. Lozano III received the Theodore P. Beasley Distinguished Leadership Award, recognizing more than three decades of visionary leadership and service. Paul Taylor was presented with the Charles P. Storey Award for his lifetime contributions to Camp Grady Spruce and the broader YMCA community.
Felix J. Lozano III – Theodore P. Beasley Distinguished Leadership Award
The award honors exceptional volunteer leadership and unwavering commitment to strengthening communities. Felix 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.
Felix 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. Paul 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, Paul 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
Sam Winstead Volunteer of the Year Awards were also presented to representatives from YMCA branches across the region, recognizing individuals who have made a meaningful impact at the local level. A full list of this year’s recipients is below:
- 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
Located at 1210 N Goliad St, the J.E.R. Chilton YMCA at Rockwall serves as a central hub for youth development, healthy living, and community connection in Rockwall County. Through a wide range of programs—including youth sports, aquatics, swim leagues, fitness classes, and family-centered activities—the Y provides opportunities for individuals of all ages to learn, grow, and thrive. The branch is also deeply engaged in community outreach, offering initiatives such as summer camps, including the Angel Camp program for children with special needs, and partnerships that support local families. With a focus on inclusivity and impact, the J.E.R. Chilton YMCA continues to play a vital role in strengthening the Rockwall community.
Learn more about the J.E.R. Chilton YMCA at Rockwall and its programs here, and follow along on social media here for updates and community news.
About the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas serves thousands of men, women, and children each year, regardless of age, income, or background. Anchored in 18 North Texas communities, the Dallas Y combines long-standing relationships with a strong local presence to create lasting personal and social change.
The organization is committed to ensuring all individuals have equitable access to the resources and support needed to thrive. Each day, the Y works to meet evolving community needs and serve as a catalyst for meaningful impact. Through its core focus areas—Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility—the YMCA empowers individuals and families to learn, grow, and succeed.
To learn more or get involved, visit www.ymcadallas.org
Press release information provided by Nicole Rosales, Allyn Media, on behalf of the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas. Edited and localized for Rockwall by Blue Ribbon News. The J.E.R. Chilton YMCA at Rockwall is a client of BRN Media.
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