"E pluribus unum," is Latin for "Out of many, one." The meaning of the phrase for our country originates from the concept that out of the union of the original thirteen colonies emerged a new single nation. It is emblazoned across the scroll and clenched in the eagle’s beak on the Great Seal of the United States. This noble and inspiring idea could well also describe our work. Consider this. In just the past ten days, along with the normal dizzying whirlwind of Y programs and activities, the following happened:
- 40 young children marched across the commencement stage to take their place as the 50th graduating class of the Chipmunks Y Preschool in Carroll County. Almost 200 proud family members (our own CFO and youthful grandparent Sherrie Rovnan among them) celebrated these young students' accomplishment of being really well-prepared to thrive in school and life! Many thanks to Cheryl Rosendahl, the Director of this legendary Y preschool, for her tremendous leadership.
- 130 generous Y donors in Carroll County were appropriately recognized at the Antrim 1844 Inn in Taneytown as Baltimore Ravens Executive Vice President and General Manager Eric DeCosta talked about the importance of team and community building. We are deeply appreciative, now and always, to Y volunteer Martin K.P. Hill and his family (for whom the Hill Family Y in Carroll County is named) for hosting this special night for 19 years in a row! We never take it for granted, and never will.
- About 200 Y associates took advantage of the Y Associate Wellness Expo held at the Y Training Center on Caton Ave. The daylong event featured multiple internal and external resources dedicated to our associates’ well-being. Many thanks to the Human Resources and Marketing teams who made this event a success, especially Megan Spencer who left no stone unturned to assure the day went off without a hitch!
"E pluribus unum." "Out of many, one," as apt for our nation as it is for the Y where diverse and seemingly disconnected people and programs come together to advance one singular and important cause: community well-being.
"E pluribus unum," a motto for a great nation forever indebted to the brave men and women who have sacrificed their lives for the liberty that none of us should ever take for granted.
I hope everyone had a restful and peaceful Memorial Day, and took a moment to take stock of the sacrifices required to continue on with this experiment we call the United States.
All the best,
John
John K. Hoey
President & CEO
The Y in Central Maryland