Gail Smith Award Recipients Announced

By Tanjua Damon

The late Gail Smith always knew that youth needed to be supported and provided with opportunities to learn about themselves. Since her death nine years ago of cancer, Newtown Youth Services (NYS) has honored people in the community that have continued her vision and support for youths.

NYS gives out three awards annually in honor of Ms Smith, one of the founders of Newtown Youth Services in 1979. The agency annually honors one adults, one youth and one business for their commitment and dedication to the youth who are the future. Each year nominees include those in the community who share the visions and goals of Gail Smith.

“She was a teacher in and out of the classroom,” said Debbie Richardson, the director of NYS. “She had just an absolute wonderful love for children.”

This year’s recipients were honored during a special ceremony in the Memorial Room at Newtown Congregational Church office building May 21.

Tom and Cherie Swetts were the recipients of the adult Gail Smith Awards. Katy Gormley Berg nominated Mr and Mrs Swetts.

The Swettses were nominated for their “inspired dedication” to the youth of Newtown and the surrounding area. Mr Swetts has worked closely with the youth through the establishment of Youth Work Camp and the Newtown High School Drama Club.

Mrs Swetts has also given countless hours to the Drama Club as producer and taking on ticket sales, publicity and other behind the scenes work. The two have also established a successful summer theater camp at Newtown High School.

Christopher Lyddy, a senior at Newtown High School, was chosen for the youth Gail Smith Award. NHS guidance counselor Jack Quinlan nominated him.

Chris was nominated for his polite, caring manner as well as his dedication to other youth. He has completed over 680 hours of community service through various Youth Services boards and helping out other students. Mr Quinlan was impressed by Chris’s “deep seated dedication for his fellow man.”

“He has accomplished more in four years than most do in high school and college combined,” Mr Quinlan said. “He sets a standard of excellence.”

The business award went to Bagelman, LLC, owned by Eunice Laverty. Father Peter Towsley and Roseanne Loring nominated Bagelman for the Church Hill Road business’ dedication to the youth of Newtown through various donations of bagels and other items to sports teams and youth organizations.

Mrs Laverty is also known for hiring youth both full and part-time at her store, Father Towsley said. It is also not unusual for patrons to find extra bagels in their bags.