Princeton NJ Family Feature Press Releases

Princeton YMCA Hosts Final ACE Dinner Celebrating a Successful School Year

Princeton, NJ, June 10, 2025 —Princeton YMCA, a branch of Greater Somerset County YMCA, hosted its final monthly ACE Dinner on Friday, June 6, celebrating the end of a successful school year for local students.

Princeton YMCA's A.C.E. (Accept. Compete. Excel.) teen program continues to make a lasting impact on youth in the community—thanks to the dedicated leadership of Executive Director Heather Scapp and her passionate team. This year, A.C.E. placed a strong focus on supporting teen mental health, fostering community engagement, and developing leadership skills.

Under the guidance of Associate Directors Alyssa Roman, Claudia Orostizaga, Mike Woods, and Senior Director of Youth Development Lindsey Williams, A.C.E. created meaningful opportunities for students in grades 6–11. From mall outings and cooking simple, healthy meals with Princeton University students to social-emotional learning activities at Princeton Middle School, students built confidence, connection, and compassion.

A.C.E. is also proud to be part of the YMCA's national Boys and Young Men of Color (BYMOC) initiative, which works to break down systemic barriers and create equitable opportunities for youth of all backgrounds. In partnership with Princeton Public Schools and local organizations, the program provides academic support, mentorship, and personal development tools to help teens thrive.

More than just a program, A.C.E. is a steppingstone toward a brighter future. With care at its core, it offers teens a safe, welcoming space to be themselves, explore their potential, and grow with the guidance of leaders who truly care.

The final ACE Dinner was a joyful event, bringing together students from Princeton Young Achievers (PYA), their families, and community partners to celebrate the achievements of the year. PYA is a unique afterschool program supporting children from low- to moderate-income neighborhoods with homework help and academic enrichment.

A heartfelt thank you to our YMCA community partner, HomeFront, for their generous donation of 10 boxes of delicious pizza, which added a special touch to the evening.

Guests enjoyed a classic barbecue dinner with burgers, hot dogs, cold drinks, and a variety of other tasty dishes. The celebration was lively and fun, filled with music and outdoor activities for all ages. One of the evening's highlights was the distribution of bikes, generously donated by the Dr. Reddy Foundation, along with fun summer giveaways for our ACE kids.

This year, we placed special emphasis on showing our families just how much they are valued and appreciated. Through meaningful conversations, shared food, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, we created a space where everyone felt safe, connected, and celebrated.

To learn more about Greater Somerset County YMCA's education and enrichment offerings, visit: gscymca.org/programs/enrichment-education.