Published: 04/15/2025 - 8:00 AM
The Upper Perkiomen YMCA is proud to announce that youth swim team member Nolan McCloskey has been selected for the prestigious Adolph Kiefer YMCA Youth Character Award.
In partnership with the Adolph Kiefer family, YMCA of the USA (Y-USA) honors two exceptional individuals each year who exemplify strong character, academic excellence, and a commitment to their communities through YMCA competitive swimming.
This year's recipient, Nolan McCloskey of Pennsburg, PA, was chosen for his academic achievements, embodiment of the YMCA’s core values—caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility—and dedication to community service. Nolan will receive a $2,500 scholarship, to be applied directly to his college or university for the 2025-2026 academic year.
For Nolan, the YMCA and its swim team—led by Coach Owen Miller —have been transformative, shaping him not only as an athlete but also as a person. Over the past decade at the Upper Perkiomen YMCA, he has cultivated a "healthy perspective" and a deep appreciation for the process of life, learning to support others through difficult times. Outside the pool, Nolan volunteers with the Knights of Columbus and gains hands-on experience in patient care at St. Luke's Hospital. These experiences, combined with the YMCA's strong character values, have set him on a path to pursue a career as a Physician Assistant at Rowan University following his graduation from Upper Perkiomen High School.
The award is part of the Adolph Kiefer Memorial Fund, established by the Kiefer family. A legendary swimmer, Adolph Kiefer discovered his passion for the sport at Chicago’s Wilson YMCA. In 1936, he won Olympic gold in the 100-meter backstroke and remained undefeated in over 2,000 races. His impact extended beyond competition, as he revolutionized swimming with 14 U.S. patents, including the first kickboard, non-turbulent lane lines, and the nylon swimsuit.