Longtime Covington Y board member Dalton Knox is the Y's 2011 Volunteer of the Year.

"Dalton was chosen because of his genuine concern and work with the Y and community and his consistent leadership during the last six years," said Executive Director Louly Hay-Kapp. "Dalton has such a big heart and real passion for the work of the Y and the children in the community, and he is one of the most committed people I've ever worked with."

Knox, who lives in the county, has served on the Y's board of director for six years, including the past three as chairman. In addition to helping Hay-Kapp with the monthly board meetings, Knox volunteers at Y events, helps with fundraising and provides general support.

"First, it was a very big surprise. I'm certainly honored to be named volunteer of the year and appreciate very much that Louly, the board and staff felt I deserved that honor," Knox said.

"What touches my heart (about the Y) the most is giving the children a place to come and grow up in sports. We have a pool in the summertime, after day care, different sporting events; a lot of families are struggling in so many ways and wouldn't have those opportunities without the Y in place."

He will receive a plaque and be officially honored at the Metro Atlanta YMCA Volunteer Recognition Dinner on Nov. 7.

"He and his family are very much a part of everything we do at the Y and are still going to be around every day," Hay-Kapp said, noting that Knox is no longer chairman, but remains a board member.

Because the Y is a volunteer-driven organization, Y officials make it a point to honor and thank volunteers.

"We always want to celebrate all of our volunteers, but then recognize those that go over and beyond what we ask of them," Hay-Kapp said.

Y swim coach and instructor Gregg Ellwanger was the 2010 Volunteer of the Year.