Paul Kuc was recently honored with the Quaboag Hills Chamber of Commerce Community Hero Award, a recognition that captures his extraordinary commitment to youth and community over nearly five decades.

As the founding director of the Recreation Program at BHN Valley Human Services since 1978, Paul has spent nearly five decades helping youth across the Quaboag Hills discover their own strength, confidence, and community. His program, funded by the Department of Mental Health (DMH), is more than just fun, it’s a lifeline.

For many youth coping with serious emotional and mental health challenges, opportunities for socialization and exercise can feel out of reach. Anxiety, isolation, and everyday barriers can make it hard to join in, feel seen, or simply have fun. Paul’s program changes that. With thoughtful structure and personalized support, it makes recreation accessible, inclusive, and genuinely enjoyable - helping young people experience the power of connection through shared activities, movement, and laughter.

Serving Ware, Palmer, Monson, Ludlow, and Belchertown, Paul has built a network of volunteers and mentors who support everything from movie nights to equestrian lessons to cross-country skiing trips. His signature adventures include canoeing, hiking, biking, and even urban explorations in Boston and New York have inspired wonder and resilience in thousands of young lives. And the impact doesn't end there. Former participants return as adults, often with their own children or grandchildren, to say hello and share how Paul’s influence helped shape their paths.

In his own words, Paul shares, “Eventually, we all grow up and former group members have achieved success in a wide variety of professions... Then I hear a loud, ‘Hey, Paul!’ when I’m on some wilderness trail... and this giant adult tells me they were in the group 20 years ago and remember all the good times they had. Sometimes their kids or even their grandkids are running around with them in the woods as well.”

Whether he’s leading a biking trip to Canada or chatting with familiar faces at a local celebration, Paul remains a humble, passionate advocate for joy, growth, and possibility. The Community Hero Award is a fitting tribute to Paul’s 45-year legacy of generosity, creativity, and heart. He didn’t just create a program - he created a lifelong ripple of connection and hope. Thank you, Paul, for blazing a trail through the Quaboag Hills and lighting the way for so many to follow.