YMCA Cape Cod Celebrates Y Achiever Graduates at Annual Program Benefit

Fifteen future leaders honored at 11th Annual Event.

[HYANNIS, JUNE 15, 2026] – YMCA Cape Cod held its 11th annual Y Achiever Program Benefit this past Wednesday, celebrating the graduation of fifteen Cape Cod Seniors who have completed the year-long, college and career readiness program. Held at the Margaritaville Resort in Hyannis and sponsored by Dellbrook | JKS, the event featured student speakers who shared personal impact stories, as well as a Keynote Speaker, Brian Morrison.

The Y Achiever’s Program is a national college and career readiness program, supporting students in setting and reaching higher education and career goals. The milestone evening celebrated the dedication and perseverance demonstrated by the program’s fifteen graduating seniors. The evening’s theme, Our Voices, Our Power, was personified by student speakers, as they were joined by friends, family, &  Y Achiever volunteers, staff, and program sponsors.

“It’s been an honor to witness our students develop into young leaders and role models within our community,” said Stacie Peugh, YMCA Cape Cod President & CEO. “We are so proud and inspired by the dedication they have shown to advance their future, and for the support the Y community has helped provide them on their journey.”

The program has existed nationally since 1967, YMCA Cape Cod has been operating the program since 2015. The Y Achievers program supports teens of color and those who are first in their families to go to college. The Y Achievers Program connects youth and families with the resources they need to prepare for life after high school. The Y Achievers Program collectively sets the youth up for success. This program gives teens opportunities to explore career options, cultures, earn scholarships, and develop confidence through the guidance of positive community role models.

YMCA provides students, regardless of economic status, with college tours, social and cultural experiences, and tours of local businesses. Without the support from volunteers, sponsors, donations, and the support of the local Cape Cod community, the Y Achievers program would not be able to provide these students with life-changing opportunities.

“A major element of the Achiever’s program is connecting these students to mentorship and a strong support network,” said Christina Silva, Y Achievers Director, “Every achievement our seniors celebrate today carries the fingerprints of a community that lifted them up, believed in them, and stood beside them through every challenge and triumph.”

The Y Achiever’s Program Benefit not only honors the students, but additionally the five Adult Achievers. Each of these Adult Achievers volunteer over forty hours of their time to the Y Achievers program throughout the year. YMCA Cape Cod is thankful for the hard work and passion displayed by these Adult Achievers. The five Adult Achievers honored were Cheriann Armstrong, Junior Jones, Helen Matusow-Ayres, Christine Parent, and Chevar Shakespeare. Their service keeps the Y Achievers program thriving, allowing YMCA Cape Cod to give teens insightful experience sand mentorship, while demonstrating the power of community.

The Y Achievers Program has programs operating out of Barnstable High School, Mashpee High School, and Monomoy High School. For eleven years, this program has made a lasting impact on the Cape Cod community and the students within it. Building confidence in the youth and bringing the local community together to build a brighter future. YMCA Cape Cod is proud of the dedication and passion the Achievers demonstrated throughout the year.

About the Y

Driven by its founding mission, the Y has served as a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community for more than 175 years. The Y empowers everyone, no matter who they are or where they’re from, by ensuring access to resources, relationships and opportunities for all to learn, grow and thrive. By bringing together people from different backgrounds, perspectives and generations, the Y’s goal is to improve overall health and well-being, ignite youth empowerment and demonstrate the importance of connections in and across 10,000 communities nationwide. Learn more at ymca.org.