The YMCA of Hampton Roads recently honored several volunteers from several of its chapters at Norfolk Waterside Marriott Hotel. Elizabeth Smith from the Suffolk branch was among 14 people who received the &uot;Service to Youth&uot; Award.

&uot;An Evening in Old Virginia&uot; was the theme for the evening, and Craig Moeller, WVEC meteorologist, served as the master of ceremonies.

Jeff Ward, local director, said Smith has served the Suffolk YMCA during a period of explosive growth.

&uot;In the past year she has been instrumental in preparing the Suffolk YMCA for a 20,000-square-foot expansion,&uot; Ward said. &uot;She has also played a key role in the early development of the North Suffolk YMCA, and I want to thank her for her dedicated service to the Suffolk community.&uot;

Chuck Harris, president and CEO of the YMCA of South Hampton Roads, presented the 2002 awards after David Bernd, president of Sentara Healthcare and YMCA Metropolitan Board Chairman, reviewed the years of accomplishments.

An &uot;Order of the Red Triangle&uot; Award was presented to Marlene Randall, board member for the Effingham Family YMCA. This award is the most prestigious honor awarded by the YMCA.

Smith joined the Suffolk Family YMCA Board of Directors in 1997. During her tenure she has volunteered as a youth basketball coach and as a swim team parent volunteer. She has also served the Suffolk branch as a finance committee chairman, We Build People Chairman, vice-board chairman and is currently wrapping up her two-year commitment as board chairman.

&uot;I am very honored to be able to serve an organization that does so much for the community,&uot; Smith said.