Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports has named four individuals as its 2025 Volunteers of the Year, recognizing their year-round commitment to the organization’s mission of empowering individuals with disabilities through sports and recreation.
Honored this year are Lisa and Todd Presson of Panton, Katie Ahern of East Thetford and Stew Stryker of Windsor. The annual award is given in honor of the late Jim Hutchinson, a long-time volunteer whose leadership helped shape the organization for more than a decade.
“These individuals represent what it means to be deeply committed to our programs and participants—not only at their home mountains or summer locations, but across the state, throughout the year,” said Erin Fernandez, executive director of Vermont Adaptive. “We’re proud to honor them with this award in Jim’s memory.”
Lisa and Todd Presson, who began volunteering in 2021, participated in more training sessions this past winter than any other Vermont Adaptive volunteers. They supported lessons in both tethering and snowboarding instruction. Lisa volunteered regularly with the Special Olympics Vermont team at Sugarbush, while Todd stepped in to cover lessons on both weekdays and weekends when needed. In the summer, the Pressons helped with the organization’s Veteran Ventures pickleball program and were active representatives at community outreach events.
Katie Ahern also began volunteering in 2021, balancing her time as a volunteer with her professional work as a special educator and school administrator, as well as being a parent to a participant. She supported programs and events statewide, from ski days at Pico Mountain to paddling outings, outreach events and bike rides. Ahern is active with Vermont Adaptive’s school group programs, the Special Olympics Vermont team, and vacation-week lessons, often coaching and teaching students of all abilities. She is also known among volunteers and staff for bringing cookies—especially the espresso ones.
Stew Stryker, a volunteer at Vermont Adaptive since 1987, has been involved in nearly every facet of the organization. He instructs in skiing, cycling and paddling programs, and supports numerous fundraising events including the Vermont 100, the Vermont 50, and the former Charity Challenge. Over nearly four decades, Stryker has trained many of the organization’s instructors and played key roles in both instruction and event operations. He is also a longtime Scout leader and supporter of community-based initiatives.
The Volunteer of the Year Award honors the legacy of Jim Hutchinson, who began volunteering with Vermont Adaptive in 1994 and helped expand the organization’s reach and impact before his passing in 2008. Each year, the award recognizes individuals who demonstrate leadership, dedication and an ongoing commitment to inclusion and adaptive sports.
To learn more or become a volunteer, visit vermontadaptive.org/volunteers/