On April 29, the Summit Area YMCA hosted its 138th Annual Celebration at The Albion, bringing together staff, volunteers, supporters, program participants, and friends for an evening of connection and recognition. This year’s event held special significance as the organization celebrated its 140th anniversary, honoring a legacy rooted in strengthening community and creating opportunity for all.
The evening began with a lively cocktail hour as guests gathered, reconnected, and reflected on the shared impact of the past year. As the program commenced, the room filled with a sense of gratitude and pride for the efforts that continue to move the Y’s mission forward.
Opening the evening, President & CEO of the Summit Area YMCA, Anjali McCormick welcomed attendees and reflected on the Y’s history and purpose. “Tonight, we come together to reflect on the collective impact we’ve made across our community and the shared commitment that continues to move us forward in youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Together, we celebrate 140 years of impact and recognize our 2026 honorees,” said Anjali.
As the evening unfolded, guests were invited to reflect on the meaningful impact made across the community in 2025. From youth programs to wellness initiatives and social services, the Y continues to serve as a place where individuals and families can grow, connect, and thrive. Highlights included more than 2,400 children supported through Kid Zone, 1,233 participants in swim lessons, and over $1.24 million in financial assistance provided to ensure access for all.
The celebration then turned to honoring the next generation of leaders through the presentation of scholarships. Celia Colbert, President of the Summit Foundation, presented the Frederick J. Watts Scholarship to Kelsey Chacho, recognizing her commitment to leadership, service, and academic excellence. Tiffany Escott, Executive Director of the Summit YMCA, followed by presenting the H. Leon Cross Scholarship to Julia Gumny, honoring her dedication to community service and equity.
Trevor Cromwell, Teen Advancement Director, alongside Teen Staff Member and Achievers Facilitator Luna Popoca, presented the Dwight Giles Scholarships to a group of outstanding students: Tiffany Shaw, Emari Miles, Kayla Vargas, Ashley Toxtle, Jaenelle Osei, Yarel Moctezuma Salazar, and Aylin Sandre. Each recipient reflected the values of the Y through their achievements, leadership, and commitment to making a positive impact in their communities.
Anjali returned to the stage to congratulate the students, sharing, “Congratulations to all our scholarship winners. We’re thrilled to have such an incredible group of young leaders as part of our YMCA community.”
The evening continued with the presentation of the Community Partnership Award by Michael Colón, Vice Chair of the Summit Area YMCA’s Board of Trustees. This year’s honor was awarded to the Community FoodBank of New Jersey for its longstanding partnership and commitment to addressing food insecurity in our communities. As the state’s largest anti-hunger, anti-poverty organization, CFBNJ has been a vital partner to our Y since 2017, working together to provide nutritious food, fresh produce, and essential hygiene supplies to hundreds of families in need each month.
Jennifer Andrade, Summit Area YMCA’s Vice President of Childcare, then presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Ruby Hollingsworth, Senior Program Director of The Learning Circle YMCA, recognizing her 32 years of dedication to the school. Reflecting on Ruby’s impact, Jennifer shared, “Every decision she makes comes back to what is best for the children. She is their biggest advocate.” She continued, “Ruby doesn’t look for reasons to say no. She looks for ways to say yes.”
The evening also recognized Thomas Hall with the Shuart Reed Memorial Award. In presenting the honor, Lisa Grennon, Chair of Board of Trustees at the Summit Area YMCA, spoke to his lasting impact. “His involvement has touched every dimension of the Y’s work,” said Lisa. Tom delivered a heartfelt speech reflecting on his lifelong connection to the YMCA. Opening with a lighthearted joke about how, when he thinks of the Y, he thinks of the unmistakable smell of chlorine, Tom immediately brought the audience back to the memories and experiences so many associate with the YMCA from childhood.
A swimmer himself, Tom shared how his connection to the Y evolved over the years, from participant to parent, eventually serving as Board President for the Summit Seals Swim Team and later as Chair of the Summit Area YMCA Board of Trustees. He reflected on the growth and change the Y experienced during his leadership, including major facility expansions, community partnerships, and navigating the challenges of the pandemic, while emphasizing the relationships and sense of community that have always made the Y feel like home.
As the program came to a close, Anjali returned with closing remarks that captured the spirit of the evening. “Tonight really has been about celebrating the Y’s people — the ones who show up, who give generously of their time, their energy, and their resources to make this community stronger,” she said. She concluded with a message that resonated throughout the room: “Because of you, the Y continues to be a place where people come not just to participate, but to belong.”
The 2026 Annual Celebration was a heartfelt reflection of the Summit Area YMCA’s enduring impact and a meaningful reminder that its strength lies in the people who continue to support and shape its future.
ABOUT THE SUMMIT AREA YMCA
The Summit Area YMCA has been serving our community since 1886, working alongside our neighbors to ensure everyone can learn, grow, and thrive. We stand for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, and through the generosity of our members and partners, we provide financial assistance to support access and opportunities for all.
