HANOVER — At a celebratory end-of-season celebration on July 27, members of the Bee Meadow Pool Swim Team, parents, and coaches honored program mentor Judith Mennenna by awarding, for the first time, the Judith Mennonna Leadership Award.
Katie Steinberg, a graduating swimmer, is the first recipient of the award.
As part of its commitment to developing youth leaders as well as youth athletes in its programs, Hanover Township Recreation worked with the Bee Meadow Pool Swim Team Parents Board to establish the award. Judith Mennonna oversaw the Bee Meadow Pool Swim Team for five years and was largely responsible for the growth of the program in 2018 and 2019. Ms. Mennonna died unexpectedly in July 2022. Members of the Mennonna family and former Bee Meadow Pool Parent Board Members gathered for the presentation of the award to Ms. Steinberg.
“Judy Mennonna was the heart and soul of the Bee Meadow Swim Team for many years,” says current Swim Team Board president Christine Amoresano. “She was vibrant, enthusiastic, and passionate about swimming and worked very hard to keep the team moving forward. In memory of July and to honor her commitment, dedication, and leadership to the Bee Meadow Swim Team, we establish this award.”
The criteria for the Judith Mennonna Leadership Award include:
Respect – Respect for teammates, opponents, coaches, and officials.
Attitude – A positive attitude in words and actions.
Lead by Example – The swimmer always puts out full effort.
Focus – the Swimmer participates in every practice and swims to the best of his/her ability, and encourages others to do the same.
Outcome – The swimmer always exhibits good sportsmanship – win or lose.
According to Denise Brennan, Superintendent of Recreation and Parks Administration for Hanover Township, this award encourages youth athletes in recreation programs to develop as leaders. In addition to the Judith Mennonna Leadership Award and the Pat Sages Basketball Leadership Award, the Hanover Township Recreation Bobcat Wrestling Award was established this year.
“Katie Steinberg is an outstanding choice as the first-time recipient of the Judith Mennonna Leadership Award,” says Superintendent Brennan. “Katie was the 2019 winner of the Pat Sages Basketball Leadership Award as well. She is a true leader.”
