Stephanie Price (right) of the West Chester Area Y branch, received the Employee of the Year Award for her work in child watch. Pictured here with Teri Edgar, executive director of the West Chester Area Y.
WEST CHESTER — The YMCA of Greater Brandywine hosted their 2nd annual Celebration of Excellence on Feb. 4 at the Mendenhall Inn. This event celebrates Y employees and their commitment to the Y’s mission as well as honors those employees who particularly exemplify these traits.
The YMCA nurtures the potential of youth, promotes healthy living and fosters a sense of social responsibility ensuring all in Chester County can participate in the many life-changing programs the Y offers.
“This is my favorite event of the year,” said CEO of the YMCA of Greater Brandywine, Denise Day. “It gives us the chance to honor and thank our staff for their unwavering dedication to the Y’s mission. Our committed staff make us who we are and we couldn’t serve the community as well as we do without them.”
One of the most coveted awards presented is the Dedicated Service Award. It is bestowed upon a Y employee who has at least ten years of service, demonstrates an ongoing commitment to the Y’s mission, consistently exhibits Y values and has made a positive and long-lasting contribution to Y programs and members.
This year’s Dedicated Service Award was presented to a long-time Y staff member whose dedication to local youth clearly demonstrates the Y’s mission to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility
Glenda Masten, a 21-year Y employee, was honored for her continued commitment to the youth of the community through her devoted and enthusiastic work in the gymnastics program at the Oscar Lasko YMCA and Childcare Center.
“Coming to work for the Y’s gymnastics program 21 years ago was one of the best decisions I’ve made.” Masten said. “I worked as a coach at another gym but coaches were unfriendly to each other and even to their own gymnasts. Working at the Y is different. Everyone lives the Y values and we instill these important character traits in our gymnasts.”
Masten has been involved in the gymnastics program for her entire tenure at the Y and spearheaded the Y’s Annual Winter Gymnastics Show, now in its 18th year. This show enables even the youngest aspiring gymnast to get a taste of performing and experience the reward of working towards goals and being part of a community that celebrates their hard work.
“One of the reasons I’ve stayed with the Y for so long because of the nurturing learning environment it provides for so many children. Children are encouraged to do their very best not just in gymnastics or another sport but in everything they do,” Masten explained.
Knowing I make a difference in children’s lives keeps me coming back year after year. There’s just no better feeling.”
The Y offers many programs that support positive development in youth. As the number one childcare provider in the nation, the Y gives youth the opportunity to learn in a safe, supportive and nurturing environment while their parents work. There are also programs for teens to be engaged on weekends and after school hours when the risk for delinquent behavior is at its highest. Kids get valuable water safety lessons through the Y’s Safety Around Water program and parents of the 1 out of 10 kids who are home alone every summer get peace of mind knowing their kids are happy, safe and engaged in Y summer camps.
There’s something for everyone at the Y. There are hundreds of exercise options for all ages and fitness levels from preschool to seniors, opportunities to take part in organized community service events as well as enrichment programs like the arts, environmental education, sports and more.
At the celebration, Stephanie Price of the West Chester Area Y branch, received the Employee of the Year Award for her work in child watch where she can be found with a smile and positive attitude.
“Our employees and their steadfast dedication to our mission is the fabric that holds our community together,” said Joe Tankle, director of planned giving at the YMCA of Greater Brandywine.
100 years from now the Y will continue to deliver programs and services to the people in the community who need it the most.”
