BATESVILLE, IN — Continuing a tradition of recognizing individuals who have furthered the Y’s mission of promoting youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility the Southeastern Indiana YMCA recognized four of its staff members in March with the S.O.A.R. Award (Service and Outstanding Achievement Recognition).
“Grace Truesdell, Alyssa Krekeler, Ranae Cole, and Mayra Adams have all developed and maintained positive relationships with staff and Y members to welcome, engage, and connect through genuine opportunities for the youth and adults they serve,” said Angie Harmeyer, Southeastern Indiana YMCA Chief Executive Officer.
Grace Truesdell is a Y member who also attended the YMCA Learning Center as a child, and joined the gymnastics teaching staff in July 2021.
“Grace is a gem!” said Jenny Salyer, Southeastern Indiana YMCA Director of Program Services. “She always has a smile on her face and is willing to help whenever she is needed. A true testament to that is that she is now teaching 12 classes, in addition to attending Ivy Tech and working two other part-time jobs! She also referred us to our other SOAR Award winner, Alyssa Krekeler.”
Alyssa Krekeler is, “A former competitive gymnast with coaching experience, Alyssa has been a wonderful addition to our team,” said Salyer. “Her positive attitude, knowledge of the sport, and class management skills have helped to grow our school-age gymnastics program.”
Salyer said of Truesdell, Krekeler, and Y Youth Coordinator, Mindy Freese, “Our growing numbers of gymnasts and ninjas are a true reflection of all three. I am truly grateful for our entire program team.”
Ranae Cole has been a member of the YMCA Learning Center staff for nine years and is currently the lead teacher in the toddler 2-year old class.
“Ranae is such a strong leader in the classroom,” said Tameeka Sizemore, YMCA Learning Center Childcare Manager. “She also always connects very well with parents. She is my go-to girl whenever help is needed. She is always my first to step up and volunteer.”
Mayra Adams has been part of the group exercise teaching staff for over six years. She currently teaches Zumba Gold, Zumba Toning, and Senior Adult Classes.
“Mayra embodies the welcoming spirit of the Y,” says Southeastern Indiana YMCA Wellness Director, Jordan Edwards. “If you know Mayra, you can’t see her without getting a hug, she’s arguably the friendliest face at the Y. She consistently has a large class size. And you know why when you see it, everyone is having fun! What people don’t see is all the preparation she puts in to make it that way. Mayra is also super active in the community. She truly exemplifies the YMCA mission.”
“We congratulate and honor these staff members for illustrating outstanding efforts to contribute to the success of the Southeastern Indiana YMCA community through their service and achievements,” said Harmeyer.
(Information provided by the Southeastern Indiana YMCA)
