(Front from left)) Wes Lichtenstein, Miranda Zapata-Mardini, Isabella Bendick, Katie Jacobs, Daisy Aquilar, Sarina Metsch, Kaitlyn Horgan and Joey Lipple-Smetana. (Back from left) Robert Brock, Saint Joseph’s Medical Center President & CEO Michael J. Spicer, Connor Librandi, Jack Levin, Christian Vega, John Mazzola, Gabriel Froelich, Guest Speaker Peter Briggs, Teagan Young, Kathryn Kmetz, Sabhbh Grenouillon and Bernadette Kingham-Bez, Executive Director of St. Vincent’s Hospital Westchester and Senior Vice President of Saint Joseph’s Medical Center.
St. Vincent’s Hospital Westchester, a division of Saint Joseph’s Medical Center, and the Auxiliary Board of St. Vincent’s Hospital Westchester celebrated the winners of the 33rd Annual Youth Awards, recognizing 20 high school students for their exceptional volunteer service and commitment to St. Vincent’s values.
Approximately 100 supporters, including students’ families, high school guidance counselors, and school representatives, attended the event on March 13. In addition to receiving the St. Vincent’s Youth Award, honorees were presented with U.S. Congressional Certificates of Achievement from Congressman George Latimer.
Peter Briggs, U.S. Squash Hall of Famer and Chairman of Squash at The Apawamis Club, delivered the keynote address. Reflecting on his lifelong dedication to mentorship and community service, he commended the students for their accomplishments and encouraged them to continue making a difference. A former Harvard University squash captain and head coach at Cornell University, Briggs has mentored generations of student-athletes and continues to inspire young people through his work.
The St. Vincent’s Annual Youth Awards were established in 1993 by the Auxiliary Board of St. Vincent’s Hospital Westchester to recognize young people who support St. Vincent’s values and
to promote lifelong patterns of volunteerism. Each year, the awards honor students from area high schools whose service best exemplifies these values.
This year’s honorees include:
· Daisy Aguilar – Port Chester High School
· Isabella Bendick – Maria Regina High School
· Robert Brock – Fordham Preparatory School
· Gabriel Froehlich – Mamaroneck High School
· Sabhbh Grenouillon – Rye Neck High School
· Kaitlyn Horgan – The Ursuline School
· Katie Jacobs – School of the Holy Child
· Kathryn Kmetz – Rye High School
· Jack Levin – Scarsdale High School
· Connor Librandi – Archbishop Stepinac High School
· Wes Lichtenstein – Rye Country Day School
· Joey Lipple-Smetana – Harrison High School
· John Mazzola – Iona Preparatory School
· Sarina Metsch – Byram Hills High School
· Vivi Nguyen – White Plains High School
· Tadhg O’Brien – Rye High School
· Christian Vega – Iona Preparatory School
· Madelyn Williams – Bronxville High School
· Teagan Young – Mamaroneck High School
· Miranda Zapata-Mardini – Sacred Heart Greenwich
“We are deeply honored to recognize these exceptional young people. Their dedication to service and their embodiment of St. Vincent’s values are a powerful inspiration to our community,” said Michael J. Spicer, President and CEO of Saint Joseph’s Medical Center.
“These remarkable students have shown extraordinary compassion through their volunteer efforts. They truly represent the heart of St. Vincent’s, and we are confident they will continue to make a lasting difference,” said Bernadette Kingham-Bez, Senior Vice President.
To make a donation to St. Vincent’s Hospital Westchester and support programs like the Youth Awards, as well as efforts to enhance patient care, visit saintjosephs.org/about-us/ways-to-give/donate/st.-vincent’s-honor-and-memorial-donations. Link to webpage for photos of each youth and their bios. https://www.saintjosephs.org/about-us/event/st.-vincent’s-youth-awards/2025-youth-award
