OLIVE BRANCH, Miss. (localmemphis.com) – The Olive Branch YMCA has become Marybeth Griffin’s home away from home. She spends a lot of time here helping others.
“We get to meet a whole bunch of people, and, just like, inspire other people, especially the kids,” said Griffin.
Marybeth spends a lot of time in the pool, as a volunteer with SNAAP, the special needs aquatic and athletic program. Marybeth helps children with special needs feel comfortable in the water.
“Autistic children, they are kind of scared of water, they’re scared of new situations,” said Marybeth. “So the teens got involved and we get them in the water to teach them how to swim.”
Marybeth is a leader at school. The rising junior at Olive Branch is involved in so much, she admitted, it’s tough to keep up with all of it.
Recently, her efforts to serve were recently recognized by the Mid-South YMCA. She received the 2019 Outstanding Youth Award.
“You get involved in something and then you fall in love with it,” said Marybeth. “I wouldn’t do it if it wasn’t something that just brought great pride to not only myself, but my community.”