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Newport Penguins celebrate season, report 167 swimmers and expanded free lessons
Summary
Paige Ellerman and volunteers from the Newport Penguins Swim and Dive Team presented highlights to the Board of Commissioners, reporting 167 swimmers/divers this summer, expanded free swim lessons and scholarship support for families.
Paige Ellerman, a Newport resident and longtime organizer of the Newport Penguins Swim and Dive Team, presented the team’s season highlights to the Board of Commissioners and thanked city staff and volunteers for support.
Ellerman told commissioners the team had 167 swimmers and divers this summer — the largest in the Northern Kentucky Swim League — and offered expanded free swim-lesson sessions through a partnership with the city’s veterans pool management. Staff and volunteers increased lesson sessions from six to eight and reported that roughly 80–85% of lesson recipients were Newport children, with additional participation from other Campbell County families.
The Penguins gave 12 family scholarships this season to remove cost barriers, Ellerman said, and the program has served more than 1,200 children with free swim lessons over its history. The team also fielded a seven-person coaching staff (three diving coaches and four swim coaches) and ran fundraising events that supported its operations, she told the board.
Why it matters: Commissioners and staff noted the program’s role in keeping the city pool open and creating recreation opportunities for youth, and praised the program’s community-building role and volunteer leadership. The mayor and commissioners thanked Ellerman and outgoing leaders as the team transitions to new volunteer leadership; Detective Chris Boyd was identified in the presentation as the incoming point of contact for team operations.
Notable results: The Penguins reported winning both the league swim and dive “classic” championships for the first time and finishing third overall in combined standings. Ellerman cited individual achievements and senior athletes who moved on to college swimming opportunities.
Next steps: Ellerman said she has stepped back from leadership and Detective Chris Boyd will be the board’s contact going forward; she will remain involved behind the scenes. Commissioners expressed appreciation for the team’s contributions to recreation and youth opportunities.
