Inaugural award received by Apple Tree YMCA Executive Director

Diana Badger, Executive Director of Apple Tree Child Develeopment Center receives her award. Photo provided.Diana Badger, Executive Director of Apple Tree Child Develeopment Center receives her award. Photo provided.

By: Kristen McConnell—

Muncie, IN—The first ever Hoosier Leader award was given to Apple Tree YMCA’s executive director for her years of dedicated service to helping children learn, grow and thrive.

Diana Badger, Executive Director of Apple Tree Child Develeopment Center YMCA was recognized at the State of Indiana Early Childhood Confrence and presented the inaugural Hoosier Leader Award.  Any recognition at the state confrence revolves around living best practices for children and striving to make early education a priority for all regardless of  families resoures and socioecomonic backgrounds. Diana embobies this and so much more.

Diana’s 25 year career at the YMCA of Muncie has been full of accomplishments. Diana developed the standards and implimented the now suggested practice Continuity of Care for infants and toddlers, she has maintained a national accreditation from NAEYC as well as  Indiana’s highest rating of Level 4 in Paths to Quality. She had a vision of an outdoor education center and worked tirelessly to develop the 2 acre Early Learning Forest allowing kids to explore nature and learn how to be good stewards of our Earth. Diana’s passion and commitment to providing all children the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive has been proven through the 270 plus children Apple Tree serves each year.

“Children and families in our community have the opportunity to be part of high-quality and life-changing programs, services and experiences in large part because of Diana’s leadership and sacrifice.  Her fingerprints are all over our YMCA and community.  We can’t thank Diana enough for her service and unwavering dedication to our cause and the deep and meaningful impact she has helped create.” YMCA of Muncie CEO, Chad Zaucha.

 

About the Y

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The YMCA of Muncie has served Blackford, Delaware and Kosciusko Counties since 1881, with an excellent track record of providing quality mission driven programs that enrich the lives of all people in spirit, mind and body.

In 2016 the YMCA served more than 16,000 unduplicated men, women and children while providing more than $458,000 in financial assistance to ensure everyone has access to life changing YMCA programs.  

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