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SALISBURY — Held at the J.F. Hurley Family YMCA, the Rowan-Cabarrus YMCA annual meeting was centered around a message that echoed throughout the afternoon.
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” — 1 Peter 4:10
That verse served as a guiding theme, shaping an afternoon filled with gratitude, humility, and powerful reminders of what it truly means to serve. The Rowan-Cabarrus YMCA Annual Meeting was more than a gathering. It was a celebration of lives impacted, quiet leadership and a community bound together by purpose. Throughout the room, stories reflected a shared truth. Leadership is not about recognition, but about faithfully using the gifts we have been given to serve others. It called attendees to steward their time, talents and hearts in ways that lift people up and strengthen our community. One of the most powerful moments of the afternoon came from keynote testimonial speaker John Wagner, a member of the Cannon YMCA West Cabarrus. What began as an ordinary day with his daily workout and time in the sauna quickly turned into a fight for his life. John shared that he suffered cardiac arrest and, in his words, “died three times that day.”
But his story did not end there.
Because just steps away were five YMCA lifeguards, young in age but remarkable in their composure, maturity and knowledge. Their training took over. Their response was immediate. Their actions saved his life. Standing before the crowd, John expressed deep gratitude for the first responders and for those lifeguards whose quick actions saved his life.
Later, YMCA President/CEO Jamie Morgan echoed that appreciation and recognized not only those five individuals but the culture behind them. He shared that similar lifesaving moments have taken place across all six Rowan Cabarrus YMCA branches, a powerful reflection of the training and preparation the YMCA provides.
Looking out across the room, Jamie shared that this has always been his favorite event of the year because he is surrounded by so many impactful people. It is a moment to pause and see the lives being changed every day. The afternoon also celebrated this year’s award recipients, each representing a different part of the YMCA’s mission in action.
At the branch level, honorees included Dr. Sue Patton of the Saleeby-Fisher YMCA in East Rowan, recognized for her life of service, faith and leadership. John Blanton of Cannon YMCA-Harrisburg was honored for a journey that began as a high school senior in an Exceptional Children’s class needing volunteer hours to graduate and quickly became something more as he grew into an unofficial greeter at the new facility, welcoming members with joy and a lasting impact. Conard Haywood of Cannon YMCA Kannapolis was recognized for his for his dedication and support of many YMCA programs and special events. David Roberts of J. Fred Corriher Jr. YMCA in South Rowan was celebrated for his impact and service. Lee Ann Hopkins of Cannon YMCA West Cabarrus was honored for her leadership and care for others. Scott Cressler of the J.F. Hurley Family YMCA in Salisbury was recognized for his continued dedication and support.
Association-wide honors highlighted individuals whose impact reaches across the entire Rowan-Cabarrus community.
Rick Robinson received the Sir George Williams Distinguished Service Award. A Springfield College graduate and gymnast, he has brought passion, discipline and a lifelong commitment to youth and wellness.
Tom Disseler was honored with the Chuck Barringer Distinguished Service Award. He has been a constant presence in Salisbury, showing up year after year, event after event, embodying consistency and quiet dedication.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Gordon Hurley and Dr. Henry Duncan. Hurley has been a cornerstone in Rowan County for more than 50 years, offering leadership and support that have shaped the community in lasting ways. His influence stretches far beyond any single role or title. For decades, he has been a steady presence, a trusted voice, and a guiding force behind the growth and strength of the YMCA and the broader community. Generations have felt his impact through his leadership, his mentorship and his consistent willingness to show up and serve. His presence has meant everything to Rowan County, and his legacy will continue to shape lives for years to come. Dr. Duncan, a 53-year member, 30+ year volunteer, and current board chair at the Kannapolis YMCA and former board chair, represents that same spirit of lifelong commitment. His decades of service reflect a deep and enduring belief in the YMCA’s mission and in the power of community. Through years of leadership, guidance and quiet dedication, he has helped strengthen not just an organization, but the people within it. His impact is measured not only in years, but in the countless lives he has influenced along the way.
Throughout the afternoon, stories continued to point back to a simple but powerful idea. Leadership is not about position or recognition. It is about lifting people up and strengthening the community through everyday acts of service.
From lifeguards performing lifesaving CPR, to volunteers helping students meet graduation requirements, to staff stepping into roles simply because there was a need, each story reflected the same truth. Small acts, done faithfully, change lives.
As the luncheon came to a close, Britt Leatherman, Rowan-Cabarrus YMCA board chair, reminded those in attendance that God will continue to inspire this community, just as He had done that afternoon. And as people left the room, there was a shared understanding that what happened there was more than a meeting. It was a reflection of a community living out its calling to serve others.
