Local Gymnast Honored with National YMCA Outstanding Athlete Award
July 10, 2026New Hampshire's Kaelyn Gagnon Awarded National YMCA Outstanding Athlete
The Granite YMCA is proud to announce that Kaelyn Gagnon, a dedicated member of its YMCA Allard Center of Goffstown branch, has been selected as a recipient of the prestigious 2026 Outstanding Athlete Award at the 2026 YMCA National Gymnastics Championship in Greensboro, NC. This national recognition, presented by YMCA of the USA, is awarded annually to two exceptional student-athletes who exemplify academic excellence, strong character, and a commitment to their community through YMCA competitive gymnastics.
Kaelyn Gagnon is a graduating senior at Trinity High School and has been a member of the YMCA Allard Center’s gymnastics program for 9 years. In addition to her success on the mat, she has demonstrated leadership, sportsmanship, and a dedication to upholding The Granite YMCA’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
As part of this recognition, Gagnon will receive a $2,000 scholarship, which will be applied toward her education at Merrimack College for the 2026-2027 academic year.
"We are incredibly proud of Kaelyn for receiving this national honor," said Michele Sheppard, CEO of The Granite YMCA. "This award reflects not only her hard work and dedication to the sport of gymnastics but also her positive impact on our YMCA community."
About The Granite YMCA
As one of the state’s longest standing and most enduring non-profits, The Granite YMCA focuses on youth development, healthy living, social responsibility, and family strengthening. Across the state, its seven branches, and two overnight camps, engages 30,000 men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to improve their health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. In 2025, The Granite YMCA provided financial assistance and free services valued at over $1.6 million to 12,000 individuals. To learn more, please visit www.graniteymca.org.
