A 17-year YMCA tradition continues in Plant City with Rhett Rollyson, the 2019 recipient of the prestigious Strong Leader Award. The Fearnow Insurance agent received the award last month for echoing the Y's commitment to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
Rhett is extremely active in the Plant City community, having served on the Plant City Y Advisory Board for eight years. “On behalf of the YMCA, Rhett, thank you so much for your great leadership, for your volunteerism, for your selfless efforts to really grow and sustain a strong Plant City community,” said Tampa YMCA President & CEO Matt Mitchell at the August 22
nd Strong Leader dinner. “We’re especially appreciative at the YMCA because of your great support of us.”
Rhett also serves on the Board of Directors for the Florida Strawberry Festival, South Florida Baptist Hospital Foundation and Plant City Little League. A graduate of Plant City High School, Rhett currently serves as Chair for the Raider Champions Foundation and for the Booster Club. His family attends First Baptist Church of Plant City, where he’s been a Sunday school teacher for the past 15 years.
Rhett is a University of South Florida Men's Tennis program's volunteer assistant coach. Rhett helped lead the USF Bulls to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Despite his athleticism, Rhett once struggled with his weight. He says the Y played a huge role in his health journey. “I am kind of a health nut now and much of that can be attributed to the Y,” explains Rhett. “After I graduated from college, I weighed 275 pounds and I had a revelation that I needed a life change. I was determined to reach my (weight loss) goal of 100 pounds. As soon as I headed home after graduation, much of that process began at the YMCA. I am so thankful I had somewhere to go to sweat those pounds away and reach my goal.”
The Y is honored to have helped Rhett transform and appreciate his support as we work to change more lives in the community. “I am so thrilled the YMCA is benefitting from this evening,” said Rhett after receiving his award. “The Y is very near and dear to my heart.” Congratulations to Rhett and family!
To see photos from the Strong Leader Dinner,
click here.
Pictured above: Rhett Rollyson receiving the 2019 Strong Leader Award from the Plant City Y.
