PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Carla Knapp, national services director for the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, recently awarded the Native Spirit Award to Whytnie Martin-Sackett, a VISTA volunteer for the local club, led by the Aroostook Band of Micmacs in Presque Isle.
The Native Spirit Award is one of the highest achievements within the BGCA and the most honorable award in Boys and Girls Clubs in Native American country.
“Whytnie’s undying dedication and hard work have been a tremendous asset not only to our Presque Isle site, but all the clubs under the umbrella of the Penobscot BGC,” said Penobscot CEO Nichole Francis. “She is a bright spot wherever she chooses to dream and we are extremely lucky to have her.”
Martin-Sackett is a 2005 graduate of Caribou High School and went on to study neuroscience at Bowdoin College and physical anthropology at the University of Maine at Orono. In college, she enlisted in the Army National Guard and currently serves as a sergeant with a transportation unit, where she received the Soldier of the Year Award in 2013.
Her past work includes youth behavioral therapy and serving as the assistant cultural director of the Aroostook Band of Micmacs, where she still helps plan traditional and community events for her tribe.
“I am honored to give recognition to one of our own receiving the Native Spirit Award,” said Tribal Councilman Fred Getchell. “Whytnie has led by example, attacking the issues that plague our tribe and mentoring our youth. Her work will drastically change our future not only as a tribe, but as a solid community.
“We can say to our youth, “This is what you need to do and how you need to act to live a happy, healthy life.’”
Martin-Sackett now serves as an AmeriCorps VISTA, a national service anti-poverty program. In this role, she helps Boys & Girls Clubs, improving programs and services that are offered to hundreds of youth.
In December, she was given a national spotlight for going above and beyond in her efforts within the club and her community.
“I’m doing what I love, so I never say to myself ‘You’re doing too much’. I give every task my best and cross my fingers it turns out as I imagine it,” Martin-Sackett said. “It helps to be surrounded by club staff who care to make a difference.”
Of her future plans, she says, “Right now I’m planning our annual fundraiser, the Christmas in July Gala. I can’t imagine being anywhere else. The nonprofit sector has stolen my heart. I’ll be here for a while.”
