(Batesville, IN) – Three exceptional Southeastern Indiana YMCA staff were presented with the S.O.A.R. Award (Service and Outstanding Achievement Recognition) at the October meeting of its Board of Directors.
Brandy Starost, Misty Meyer and Viji Saravanan were all recognized for being staff leaders who illustrate outstanding efforts to contribute to the success of the Southeastern Indiana YMCA community through their service and achievements.
Brandy Starost, Group Exercise Instructor –Simultaneously nominated in the same month by two Directors, Tameeka Sizemore, Membership Director, and Mindy Freese, Program Director, both sharing similar sentiments of praise for Brandy and the positive impact she has on Y members and the larger community she serves.
“Brandy has been integral to the the launch and facilitation of our new ‘Rock Steady Boxing’ program, serving those with Parkinson’s Disease. This amazing program is here because of her heart, her dedication, and passion for helping others. I’m honored to be walking beside her at our Y,” shared Freese.
Sizemore added, “I am consistently impressed with the positive impact she has on our members. She is always smiling, laughing and offering encouragement, which significantly enhances the participant’s experience. If you haven’t checked out our ‘Rock Steady Boxing’ program, please do. It’s awesome. Brandy’s commitment is further highlighted by how long she stays after class to eagerly discuss exercise techniques and progress with our members.”
Misty Meyer, Out of School Time (OST) Coordinator – “When I needed someone to fill the role of OST Coordinator, there was no question on who the right person for the job would be,” shared Amber Rossman, Youth Experience Director. Her contributions to the successful launch of our Summer Camp Alon and Summer Clubbin’ programs last summer were essential. As a result, we now have over 90 kids in our out of school programs, Kids Club and Y Pack. Our kiddos are being loved, cared and prayed for individually by Misty and myself. God continues to bless us with kids due to her awesome leadership.”
Viji Saravanan, YMCA Learning Center Assistant Teacher – “Viji has been helping us at the YMCA Learning Center for almost 14 years. She’s worked in many different classrooms, has always been a team player, flexible, and always willing to go wherever she is needed. She’s community driven and all the kiddos love Ms. Viji,” expressed McKenzie Callahan, YMCA Learning Center Director. “We thank her for her hard work and dedication, and are just so grateful to have her as part of our Y family.
“Our Y is incredibly fortunate to have team members like Brandy, Misty and Viji, who truly embody our YMCA mission,” shared Tara Britton, Chief Executive Officer of Southeastern Indiana YMCA. “Their dedication enhances the quality of life for our members and positively impacts the entire Southeastern Indiana community.”
(Southeastern Indiana YMCA press release)
