BATESVILLE, IN — Two Southeastern Indiana YMCA staff members – Lifeguard Elizabeth Hall and Youth Program Coordinator Mindy Freese – were recognized this month with the YMCA S.O.A.R. Award (Service and Outstanding Achievement Recognition).
The SOAR award recognizes staff leaders who illustrate outstanding efforts to contribute to the success of the Southeastern Indiana YMCA community through their service and achievements.
Kristen Fletcher, Southeastern Indiana YMCA Aquatics Director, said of Hall when presenting her award, “Elizabeth has a long history with our Y. She began working at the Y Welcome Center in 1995. She went on to become a lifeguard and water arthritis instructor and worked at the Y for 16 years. Then some other opportunities called her away. She returned to our Y last year and has been a fantastic help and support ever since.
“She has adjusted her schedule to accommodate many of the other staff and their spring break,” said Fletcher. “She steps up to substitute water fitness classes whenever needed, and has overall served as a role model for others, and demonstrates a high level of professionalism.”
Since joining the Y staff eight months ago, Freese has revamped the Ninja Kids Program and overseen youth gymnastics, according to Southeastern Indiana YMCA Director of Program Services Jenny Salyer.
“Both programs have grown in participation over the last year,” Salyer said. “She is also a great mentor to our youth employees and brings Christian values to everything she does. She and the Y’s Wellness Director, Jordan Edwards, have worked well together doing community outreach programs, and she has demonstrated great customer service, especially with the parents in youth programs.
“She also recently began teaching a Yoga group exercise class, and continues to bring new opportunities to our Y and its youth,” Salyer added.
“We congratulate and honor these staff members for enhancing the quality of life for the YMCA community by providing extraordinary services, activities, or other initiatives that strengthen our staff, members, and community,” said Angie Harmeyer, Southeastern Indiana YMCA Chief Executive Officer.
