The annual Arly Impact Awards celebrate dedicated individuals making a significant impact on the children in their community, as well as their colleagues. The awards include Educator of the Year, celebrating an educator, leader, or staff member who goes above and beyond to ensure that children, their coworkers, and the community thrive and Rising Star, which recognizes an emerging leader in youth programming.
Lauren Sanchez Gilbert, Ed.D., CEO of Arly, and Antonio Battaglia, President and COO of Arly, personally presented these awards during surprise in-person visits to each winner. This year’s travels took them to Massachusetts and Oklahoma.
Arly Educator of the Year Award: (Left to Right) Jeff Heely (COO, YMCA of Greater Tulsa), Ricki Wimmer (CEO, YMCA of Greater Tulsa), Dr. Lauren Sanchez Gilbert (CEO, Arly), Paige Westover-McElhaney (Arly Educator of the Year, Youth & Family Director, Okmulgee Family YMCA ), Katie McElhaney (Executive Director, Okmulgee Family YMCA)
Paige Westover-McElhaney, Youth & Family Director at YMCA of Greater Tulsa, Okmulgee Branch, in Tulsa, OK, was recognized as the Arly Educator of the Year.
Paige is praised for her passion for the YMCA’s mission and her commitment to intentionally meeting the needs of every student and staff member at her site. “Paige is a very passionate leader who gives her entire team her all & works in the weeds with them on a daily basis,” said Executive Director, YMCA of Greater Tulsa, Okmulgee Branch, Katie McElhaney. “She consistently engages and inspires their students in new and exciting ways, seeks resources and opportunities beyond the classroom to enrich the current curriculum, demonstrates strong leadership within her department, and builds strong community partnerships that are so vital to the success of our program."
Camp Director of Pine Knoll Day Camp at East Longmeadow Recreation Department in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts, Elizabeth Edwards, was recognized as the Arly Rising Star Impact Award recipient.
Elizabeth is highly celebrated by her colleagues as someone who goes above and beyond for their camp by putting the needs of her campers first. “Elizabeth planned all the lessons, varying the activities, discussions and physical exercises each day for over 100 campers, 6 camp groups for all 8 weeks of Summer Camp. If she knew that a group or camper would struggle with completion of the activity, she would find ways to pivot and adjust the activity so that all campers and staff could participate together,” said East Longmeadow Recreation Department Deputy Director of Recreation, Jessica Stacy.
Eberlin Hernandez, Expanded Learning Specialist at Magnolia School District in Anaheim, CA, was named the runner-up for the Arly Rising Star Impact Award. Eberlin is recognized for her dedication to finding the best services and solutions for the families in her district.
The Arly Impact Awards annually draw in a large pool of peer-nominated candidates nationwide. When considering nominations, we prioritize individuals who exhibit the following qualities:
Demonstrates a committed pursuit of their mission with energy and purpose
Innovates with bold, intuitive solutions
Embraces personal responsibility
Fosters collaboration, trust, and inclusiveness
Empowers results and impact
“At Arly, we are driven by making children's lives better,” said Dr. Lauren Sanchez Gilbert. “The opportunity to celebrate those that go above and beyond with such inspiring dedication, alongside their colleagues, children and the community they serve, is truly one of the best moments of the year.”
About the YMCA of Greater Tulsa
At the YMCA of Greater Tulsa, we're dedicated to strengthening the foundations of our community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. With fourteen locations throughout the region, we provide a wide range of programs and services designed to nurture the potential of every individual, promote healthy lifestyles, and foster a sense of belonging for all. Our commitment to inclusivity and diversity drives us to create an environment where everyone can thrive, regardless of background or circumstance. Through collaboration with community partners, we strive to continuously enhance our offerings and better serve the needs of our community. For more information about the YMCA of Greater Tulsa, visit https://www.ymcatulsa.org/.
About East Longmeadow Recreation Department
East Longmeadow Recreation Department, located in East Longmeadow, MA, provides recreational activities and programs to residents of all ages with the goal of inspiring healthier living, increased social engagement and the love for their community. East Longmeadow Recreation manages a number of facilities around the community, offering sports programs, facilities rentals, and upkeep of local green spaces. Every summer, East Long Meadow hosts the Pine Knoll Day Camp which offers campers a variety of activities and experiences. For more information about East Longmeadow Recreation Department visit, https://eastlongmeadowma.myrec.com.