Sparta teen named youth of the year

HARDYSTON — Evan Peterson began volunteering at the Sussex County YMCA at age 13 to advance his rank in the Boy Scouts, and years later, he’s still at it.
Whether organizing closets, as Peterson did when he first volunteered, or helping to run events and programs, “he has always done an excellent job,” Sussex County YMCA Associate Executive Director Corey Brown said.
The Sussex County YMCA named Peterson its 2017 Youth of the Year for the impact he has made on children at the YMCA. The 17-year-old Sparta High School junior was honored at the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges’ annual dinner on April 12. The Sussex County YMCA is one of seven branches of the Metro YMCA.
“I continued to volunteer after completing my Boy Scout volunteer hours because I felt that giving back to the community was the right thing to do,” Peterson said. He helps out with Healthy Kids Day, summer camp programs, and Friday Frenzy and The Max, biweekly gatherings for kids to exercise, play, socialize and have fun.
“What I enjoy most about volunteering is being able to help out and gaining a feeling of accomplishment after events,” Peterson said.
Brown said Peterson shares stories with his parents about how children in the programs have made him smile and laugh. “Well, the feeling is mutual, as the kids Evan works with often say the same thing about him!” Brown said.
A member of Boy Scout Troop 150 in Sparta, Peterson is pursuing his Eagle Scout rank. He has been playing the violin in school orchestras for seven years. Peterson said he plans to study marketing or computer science in college.