Tyler Patskoski is a volunteer parents will thank later for his impact on their children.

The Eastside Family YMCA held its volunteer appreciation dinner Tuesday selecting the 2015 members who have gone above and beyond the scope of service to the organization and community.

Patskoski, one-year removed from graduating USC Upstate with a sociology degree, has patiently put his skills and passion for others ahead of his. He was presented the KB Charitable Trust Award for Body, Mind, & Spiritual Accomplishments.

Patskoski was commended for a myriad of jobs he has performed for the Y. It appears, at times, he has made himself too valuable. The job description, “other duties as assigned” fits Patskoski perfectly.

Some of Patskoski’s responsibilities have been with the morning Childwatch and Afterschool programs. After a few hours with infants in the morning and 200 children bused to the Y for afterschool, Patskoski finds little time to take a deep breath also volunteering on the reception desk.

“I get along well with all the kids,” Patskoski said. “It’s some of the homework that can be hard – especially math,” he said with a laugh. “I can help with just about any subject, but math is not my specialty.”

“Tyler came to us and asked what he can do,” Michelle Bryson said. “He has been more than willing to take on any assignment we send his way.”

The award honors individuals who have overcome obstacles through YMCA participation and personal determination. That part, for Patskoski, is being diagnosed with Neuro Fibro Mitosis, permanent vision impairment. His parents, Mark and Mary, attended the awards dinner.

“He has not once let anything stop him,” Bryson said. “His love for and dependence on the Lord and his passion for others is a true inspiration.”

Interestingly, volunteers at the Y come from all professions and ages.

Helmet Flinte, former co-founder of the upstate’s International Food Service Executives Association, is renown as a chef. Flinte, retired from the food and beverage industry, and was just what the Y was looking for.

He was given the task of cooking hotdogs for the Harvest Festival. Once the Y learned of Flinte’s past, he has become the unofficial Chef de Cuisine at the Eastside Y. Flinte was awarded the Wilton J. McKinney Order of Merit for giving greatly of his time and talent, and exemplifying leadership and civic responsibility.

Brandon Calhoun was awarded the inaugural Volunteer of the Year honor.

“In the three years that I have been here Brandon has yet to turn me down with a request to help support the Eastside Family YMCA,” Lindsay Buckles, Development Specialist said. “Coaching youth sports, supporting the annual campaign by campaigning and donating his time, talent and treasures, attending meetings and special events, the whole nine yards, Brandon is always there for us.”

Calhoun’s coaching philosophy is teaching children good sportsmanship, learn fundamentally sound techniques and playing as a team. “Our staff is really good,” Calhoun said. “We teach our kids to shake hands, we high five officials and we don’t keep score.”

Calhoun is part of the Coaches Circle who volunteers their time as coaches and role models but also help raise funds for those in need of financial assistance.

The list of awards, description and volunteers honored are:

Volunteer of the Year

2015 – Brandon Calhoun (inaugural award)

Wilton J. McKinney Order of Merit

Recognizing outstanding and significant service to the community, giving greatly of time and talent, and exemplifying leadership and civic responsibility.

2015 – Helmet Flinte

2014 – Philip Wyatt

2013 – Rick Traynham

2012 – Dick O’Brien

2011 – Barry Keeler

2010 – Howard Hrbek

2009 – Bruce Baker

2008 – Brandon Calhoun

2007 – Paul Schaaf

2006 – Beth Freeman

2005 – John Brearley

2004 – Welch Bostic

2003 – Stewart Vaughan

Gary Schlansker Teen Leadership Award

Recognizing outstanding youth leadership and exemplifying caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.

2015 – Isaac Smith

2014 – Julie Chrisler

2013 – Maggie Black

2012 – John Pyle

2011 – Laura Scheving

2010 – Rachel Rountree

2009 – Kendall Tate

2008 – Karlisha Stokes

2007 – Phillip Patrick

2006 – Kenny Harper

2005 – Brittany Montgomery

2004 – Kristen Laffler

2003 – Sam Clinton

Heidi Freeman Humanitarian Award

Recognizing outstanding volunteer service to the YMCA’s financial development efforts.

2015 – Scott Lowery

2014 – Scott Frey

2013 – Cathy Ronald

2012 – Josh Kale

2011 – Matthew Franken

2010 – Charlie Banks

2009 – Cameron McDowell

2008 – John Brearley

2007 – Jean Brown

2006 – Cherri Walker

2005 – Nita Callahan

2004 – Marion Miller

2003 – Heidi Freeman

Brandon Calhoun Significant Service Award

Recognizing outstanding effort and time in supporting YMCA youth programs.

2015 – Isaac Smith

2014 – Josh Skoog

2013 – Michelle Wienold

2012 – Tom Lessard

2011 – Kim Block

2010 – Onarae Rice

2009 – Jamie Burns

2008 – Monty Shaw

2007 – The Cronin Family

2006 – Barry Pyle

2005 – Kraig Pringle

2004 – Scott McGregor

2003 – Frank Powell

KB Charitable Trust Award for Body, Mind & Spiritual Accomplishments

Award honors individuals who have overcome obstacles through YMCA participation and personal determination.

2015 – Tyler Patskoski

2014 – John Ellison

2013 – Henry Howard

2012 – Bruce Baker

2011 – Julie Pelissier

2010 – Jon Larson

2009 – Joe Bradshaw

2008 – Luke Gribick

2007 – Dottie Wickus

2006 – Amy Edwards

 

 

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