Quincy Youth Basketball Earns Regional Friend of Children Award
NCESD honors the volunteer-led program for expanding opportunities for young athletes and strengthening the Quincy community.
The volunteers behind Quincy Youth Basketball received regional recognition this week for something many families in the 98848 have already experienced firsthand: creating opportunities for young children to learn, play and grow through sports. During the Quincy School Board meeting, the North Central Educational Service District (NCESD) presented the organization with its Friend of Children Award.
The award was presented by NCESD Superintendent Dr. Michelle Price, who recognized Quincy Youth Basketball’s commitment to serving young children and strengthening the community through youth athletics.
Recognizing Service Beyond the Classroom
Each year, the North Central Educational Service District Board of Directors accepts nominations for its Friend of Children Award, which honors community members and organizations that go above and beyond to support children outside the traditional classroom.
NCESD serves school districts across Chelan, Douglas, Grant and Okanogan counties, and this year only two Friend of Children Awards were presented across the entire four-county region.
While presenting the award, Dr. Price praised Quincy Youth Basketball for revitalizing the local program and creating opportunities that many children might not otherwise have.
She highlighted the organization’s commitment to teaching sportsmanship, encouraging healthy physical activity and providing a positive environment where children can begin learning the fundamentals of teamwork and athletics. The program currently serves children from pre-kindergarten through second grade
Building More Than Basketball Skills
Although the award recognizes a basketball program, the comments during the presentation focused on something much broader than the game itself.
Dr. Price noted that organizations like Quincy Youth Basketball help children develop confidence, learn how to work with others and experience positive competition in a supportive environment. Those lessons often extend well beyond the basketball court and become building blocks for future success in school and life.
The recognition also reflects the countless volunteer hours invested by coaches, organizers and parents who have helped grow the program into an important part of the community.
What This Means to You
Programs like Quincy Youth Basketball succeed because community members are willing to invest their time in the next generation.
For families across the 98848, this award is a reminder that many of the opportunities available to local children are made possible by volunteers who believe every child deserves a chance to participate, learn and belong.
Being selected as one of only two Friend of Children Award recipients across four counties speaks to the impact Quincy Youth Basketball is making; not only within our community, but across the region.
A Well-Deserved Honor
Community awards often recognize years of quiet service that happens away from the spotlight. This recognition from the North Central Educational Service District celebrates the volunteers who have worked to build a welcoming youth basketball program and create positive experiences for Quincy children.
As Dr. Michelle Price told the group during the presentation, “This community’s a better place because of you.” Judging by the regional recognition and the young athletes who have benefited from the program, it’s a sentiment many families throughout the 98848 would likely agree with.
