Rowan Kristan, a senior on the Boothbay Region YMCA Dolphin swim team, became the first Dolphin swimmer ever to receive the Thomas “Tom” Manduca YMCA Citizen Award.

Presented each year to a male and female swimmer since 2000, the award is named in memory and honor of Tom Manduca, head coach of the Auburn Lewiston YMCA swim team for over 20 years. Manduca died in June 2018 but his dedication to the sport of swimming prompted the YMCA swim coaches from around the state to name the Citizen Award after Manduca. In addition, the YMCA swim league donates $500 to the charity of the recipient’s choice.

The criteria used to select the recipients of the award include:

–Exhibits exceptional leadership characteristics within their team and provides a positive role model for younger swimmers.

–Gives back to their community through volunteerism.

–Takes on leadership roles when opportunity arises.

–Exhibits tremendous sportsmanship characteristics throughout their athletic career.

Kristan was presented with the award at the annual state YMCA swim meet at the University of Maine Feb. 28-March 1.

A Dolphin swim team member since the age of 8, Kristan, 17, was nominated for the award by BRYCA Executive Director Andy Hamblett.

In his letter to nominate Kristan, Hamblett wrote in part, “As a former swim team parent, I have been able to observe him mentoring younger swimmers and helping them to set goals and gain confidence. His genuine enthusiasm and thoughtful connections with young swimmers have encouraged an increasingly positive team atmosphere. Rowan … promotes responsibility, kindness and compassion … We greatly appreciate his youthful perspective paired with diplomacy and tact.”

Hamblett also outlined Kristan’s volunteer work, including his semester at the Alzar Leadership School based out of Idaho and Patagonia, Chile, his volunteer work at basketball tournaments, road races and as a member of the BRYMCA’s board of trustees.

Kristan chose Paws for Peace, under the Embrace a Vet Organization, as the charity he would like the award money to go to. Paws for Peace pairs homeless dogs with veterans living with PTSD and traumatic brain injuries in Maine.