We are proud to announce the 2021 Volunteer of the Year at Tomlinson South Meridian YMCA! Grace Rhodes was presented the award at the THRIVE Adaptive Dance performance on Oct 23.
Grace Rhodes started volunteering when she was 14 as part of project at Bishop Kelly High School. She had an interest in working with kids and had dance experience, which made her a perfect fit for the THRIVE Adaptive Dance program.
“It is a joy working with the children, and class is always the bright spot of my week. I gained more from this experience than I imagined.”
— Grace Rhodes
THRIVE Director Andrea Parker:
“I nominated Grace because she goes above and beyond. She truly cares for each of the kids in class and ensures they have a positive experience. She is flexible and takes the time to listen to the dancers. If they give her creative suggestions, she always tries to incorporate them into the dances. She encourages the kids to have fun, feel the music, and be a part of the creative process for choreography.
Grace also takes the time to give each dancer a small goodie at the final performance. During one session, she even made individualized handmade ornaments.
Grace is more than a volunteer. She is an amazing part of the Y family and a community advocate. The Adaptive Dance program would not be the same without her. She is helping to create lasting impact with the dancers, their families, Y staff, and future dancers.”
Grace told her family that she plans to continue teaching the classes as long as she can. Her contributions for the past four sessions of the Y’s Adaptive Dance program are greatly appreciated.
When you volunteer at the Y, you provide leadership and talent vital to empowering people and communities to learn, grow, and thrive.
