Smyrna honors volunteers, names Redstone FCU Business of the Year; Kaylee Herman and coach Mike Fain among top honorees

Smyrna’s Department of Recreation, Parks and Recreation held its 36th annual volunteer awards banquet to celebrate volunteers, league leaders and community partners. The event recognized individuals across youth sports, concessions and league administration and named Redstone Federal Credit Union the 2025 Parks Business of the Year.

The most prominent honors included the Young Leader of the Year, awarded to Kaylee Herman, and the Kenneth Victory Lifetime Achievement Award, presented to longtime youth coach and volunteer Mike Fain. Assistant Director Jimmy St. presented Redstone Federal Credit Union as Business of the Year, citing ongoing sponsorships of parks programs, support for local schools and repeated community donations.

Kaylee Herman said in a pre-recorded interview that she was “so honored to be Smyrna Youth Leader of the Year,” and described projects including a hygiene hub at the Smyrna Public Library and education work related to the Nashville Zoo. The award carried a scholarship funded by local groups; organizers announced two $500 contributions (total $1,000) from local supporters in conjunction with the prize.

Kenneth Victory, for whom the lifetime service award is named, introduced the award and described the honoree’s long record of service. Mike Fain, who has coached in Smyrna youth football for more than three decades and served on youth sports boards, told attendees the recognition was humbling. “Volunteering…you have to know why you’re in it,” Fain said in his acceptance remarks, urging new volunteers to focus on mentorship, discipline and respect. “We coach for victories. We don't coach for championships,” he added, describing victory as the long-term positive effects on children’s lives rather than trophies.

Jimmy St. highlighted Redstone Federal Credit Union’s contributions to Smyrna—sponsorships of fireworks and reading programs, support for local schools and event sponsorships—saying the credit union’s investments bolstered parks, programs and community events.

Organizers used the banquet to thank the parks staff, the town’s event center production team, police and fire personnel who support events, and the many league volunteers who help run Smyrna’s youth sports programs. The director reminded attendees that spring sports seasons were upcoming and encouraged continued volunteer involvement.

The banquet combined awards presentations, brief videos and personal remarks; it closed with acceptance remarks from honorees and staff acknowledgements. No formal council actions or votes were taken at the event.