2026 Yewcic Award Winner - Debbie Hayes

Debbie is a lifelong resident of Arlington who devoted her career to providing sports and recreational opportunities for the residents of the Town of Arlington. Through her efforts and those of many others, Arlington has sports and recreation programs that provide a wide range of sports and other programs that promote physical health and enable youth to learn new skills, develop self-confidence, and build relationships with others. 

While growing up on Fairmont Street in East Arlington Debbie participated in a variety sports and recreation activities in town. During the summer she spent many hours down at Thorndike Playground where she played softball and kickball and proudly brought home the potholders and gimp bracelets that she created.  She also joined the Boys Club where she learned to swim, played dodgeball in the gym and enjoyed her time in the Sunshine Room.

Debbie earned a degree in Early Childhood Education at Boston State College and a master’s degree in Recreation Management from Northeastern University. She worked part time for the Town of Arlington’s sports and recreation programs while in college. After graduating from college, she accepted a position where she was responsible directing a variety of sports and recreation programs for children at Fidelity House and Arlington Recreation and developed Fidelity House’s Pre School Program. 

Debbie then moved to a full-time position as Recreation Supervisor for Arlington, in which she managed sports and recreation programs while continuing her education. After her promotion to Superintendent of Recreation in 1990, she became responsible for overseeing the Arlington Sports Center and the Arlington Reservoir. In addition, she worked with the Parks & Recreation Commission to develop a plan to upgrade sports fields, parks, and playgrounds in Arlington.

Upon her retirement from Town of Arlington, Debbie knew that she had more to give and accepted a part-time position at Arlington Boys & Girls Club. Although initially hired in an administrative position, the desire to work with children came back and she developed and led children’s programs until her retirement in 2024.