Great Turnout for our CAY 42nd Annual Cultural Thanksgiving Celebration & Rising STARS Award Ceremony
Sponsored By Pennsylvania American Water Charitable Foundation (AWCF)
On Monday, November 24th, 2025, Crispus Attucks York proudly hosted our 42nd Annual Cultural Thanksgiving Celebration & Rising STARS Award Ceremony — a cherished tradition honoring unity, gratitude, community impact, and cultural excellence. This annual gathering continues to highlight voices across generations, celebrate leadership, and uplift the values that have shaped York City for over nine decades.
A Warm Welcome to the Celebration
The event opened with the Bells of Order and heartfelt remarks by Jacqueline Martino-Miller. The atmosphere was filled with togetherness, pride, and anticipation for the afternoon ahead.
Reflecting on Our Legacy
Kelly Summerford stepped forward as Master of Ceremonies, guiding the celebration with grace, while reminding guests of the history and purpose behind the Cultural Thanksgiving celebration. His reflections honored the legacy of the occasion while uplifting the vision for the future.
Recognizing Those Who Give Rise to Possible
Mrs. Liz Morales Alexander speaks to the crowd after receiving her Rising STARS Award.
This year’s award presentations honored individuals whose service, advocacy, and leadership strengthen our mission and community:
🏆 Jeffrey Kirkland
🏆 Joan Wright
🏆 Christopher Scott
🏆 Liz Morales Alexander
🏆 Margie Orr
🏆 Carol Heagy
🏆 Darlene Leonard
🏆 Thomas White
We applaud each honoree for their exceptional commitment to education, youth development, senior care, and community empowerment.
Moments of Culture and Celebration
This year’s ceremony featured inspiring entertainment:
✨ Damar Moore – delivered a soul-stirring vocal performance of the well-known song “This Is Why I Love You” by MAJOR. His powerful delivery filled the room with emotion, resonating deeply with guests. As the final note landed, the audience rose to their feet with a spontaneous standing ovation — a moment that beautifully captured the love and appreciation present in the room.
💃 Delores Abreu’s Spanish Dance Group – composed of talented young dancers dressed in festive holiday attire, dazzled the audience with a joyful cultural presentation. Their graceful movements, beaming smiles, and spirited energy awed the crowd and drew enthusiastic applause — a reminder of the beauty and pride expressed through culture and youth creativity.
🎶 Ruth Leonard Greenslade’s moving musical performance of CeCe Winans’ “Alabaster Box” her voice set the tone for gratitude, reflection, and purpose. It was a powerful reminder of why we give, why we serve, and why our community matters. These beautiful artistic expressions lifted spirits and filled the room with joy.
Breaking Bread in Fellowship
Following the awards program, the audience participated in the Blessing of Food before enjoying a shared meal. York College of Pennsylvania’s Community Opportunity Scholarship Program (YCCOSP) served food for the 22nd year in a row! We are grateful to have such amazing scholars giving back to our community by dedicating their time.
Thanks to Aisha Beatty-White for offering serving direction, and to all who participated in the joyful Chat and Chew that makes this tradition feel like family.
Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
✨ A heartfelt thank you to the American Water Charitable Foundation (AWCF) for generously supporting this year’s Cultural Thanksgiving Celebration & Rising STARS Ceremony.
Your commitment helps ensure we continue hosting meaningful, mission-driven events that celebrate leadership, culture, and unity throughout York City.
Looking Ahead
The afternoon closed with remarks from Kelly Summerford, reminding us that the work continues — and that every voice, every act of service, and every partner helps us “Give Rise to Possible.”
Thank you to our dignitaries in attendance — PA State Representative Carol Hill-Evans and York City Councilwoman Edquina Washington — for their continued support of our community.
Thank you to everyone who attended, supported, volunteered, performed, and shared in this uplifting gathering.
Together, we strengthened community bonds, celebrated changemakers, and honored the legacy of Crispus Attucks York.
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