Brian DuBois (c.), recipient of the William J. Hood Outstanding Volunteer Award, with Valerie Ackley, granddaughter of William J. Hood, and Chris Shea, YMCA director of youth sports

The YMCA of Auburn-Lewiston recognized Brian DuBois with one of its highest honors recently at its annual Biddy Basketball Awards Banquet. DuBois received the William J. Hood Outstanding Volunteer Award for his years coaching children of all ages at the YMCA and for his extraordinary commitment to the 2015-16 season.

During the banquet, Chris Shea, director of youth sports, described how DuBois took on coaching duties for two different teams in two divisions, as well as a travel team. DuBois also sponsored two teams through his business, DuBois Realty Group.

“All of our coaches give a lot of their time,” said Shea. “I’m thankful for their commitment to making this program what it is today. But with Brian, I just added a whole work day to his week – almost 10 hours dedicated to the kids and this program. He did it all without question or hesitation.”

For DuBois, basketball at the Y has been a family affair. His father coached him growing up in the program, and now he has coached his own children, Olivia (14), Madeleine (11) and Bennett (9).

The Outstanding Volunteer Award was established in honor of William J. Hood, who was an exemplary youth leader in the Lewiston-Auburn community. He played basketball at the YMCA in the Church League through the 1940s and continued to support the program as a coach, donor and mentor until his passing in 1985.

Hood’s granddaughter Valerie Ackley, whose daughter was among this season’s first-year players, was present for the ceremony. Hood’s wife, Mrs. Jeanne Hood, continues to support the program by donating a basketball for every first-year player in the Y’s Biddy Basketball program. This year, more than 90 first-year players received their own basketball.

The youth athletes of Biddy Basketball were recognized during three nights of celebration. Two children from each team were recognized with Most Improved and Team Awards for demonstrating good character and a positive attitude. Three players received the Divisional Sportsmanship Award for respect, unselfish play and teamwork. The winners and nominees for each division are listed below.

Rookies (Grades 1-2). Winner: Max Kimble. Nominees: Arieana Bean, Nic Beaucage, Owen Blais, Zhylis Caouette, Piper Croteau; Hope Fontaine; Landon Knowlton, Jack Martel, Leigha Pelky, Kyle Randall, Caleb Robichaud, Jenna Shea, Kai Taylor, and Carson Veilleux.

Pee Wee (Grades 3-4). Winner: Sam Brooker. Nominees: Abigail Beaucage, Natalie Beaudoin, Jen Chaput, Bryce Fontaine, Quinn Fournier, Owen Galway, Isaac Gautier, Tristan Kramarz, Mason LaFlamme, Cohven Langley, Ellie Legare, Zalmaan Mahamud, Kade Masselli, Koral Morin, Jack Pepin, Tess Robbins, Carson Veilleux, Olivia Veilleux, Carly Wang, and Daniel Wilson.

Junior (Grades 5-6). Winner: John Shea. Nominees: Patrick Anthoine, Jason Brooker, Oliver Brown, Makenna Campbell, Mike Chaput Jr., Landon Cougle, Erin Cowie, Elijah Demers, Maddy DuBois, Christian Frey, Kevin Frey, Carter Gregoire, Donovan Jackson, Joshua Murphy, Maeza Paradie, Ella Perry, Jayden Robison, Anthony Seddon, Jack Thompson, and Avanté Valentine.