Spurlino YMCA 2020 Grads

The Spurlino Family YMCA at Big Bend Road hosted a small graduation ceremony for its graduating senior staff to show support and appreciation for their hard work during the pandemic. 

It was a graduation like no other.

On Friday, July 17, the Spurlino Family YMCA honored all of its graduating seniors on staff by offering a walk of fame cheered on by campers, staff and parents. They were invited to wear their caps and gowns and walk from the center and down while campers lined the sidewalk and cheered for them.

“It’s actually really a pleasure to see,” watched Y Senior Wellness Director Josh Sandoval. “A lot of these graduating seniors are counselors, our lifeguards, our Stay and Play folks who started when we first opened (in January of 2019). Just to see them be able to grow over these last couple years even during the tough time we’ve had this year - what a positive way for them to end their summer and just to have such an amazing accomplishment. It’s truly great and we’re excited to see them start their lives.”

“This is the hardest working group I've seen in a long time. Camp counselors and lifeguards during a pandemic...say no more,” says Spurlino Y Executive Director Jeremy Hester. 

One of the graduates hopes to stay at the Y - at least part-time since finishing nursing school.

“This is my first year with the Y,” says Nakyra Stroud. “It’s been amazing. This is week 7 of camp and I love the kids. They’re super sweet. I definitely want to stay. This ceremony was nice because I didn’t do anything with my school, so it was really sweet."

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