Scenes from Celebrate Goddard Day

Music from around the world and smells of various types of food emanated from Goddard on July 11 as employees celebrated the diversity that dictates Goddard's success.

"All the activities today are reminders that we need to recognize what we do as a community, to appreciate the contributions of each and every one and encourage the inclusion of many points of view," said Goddard Director, Al Diaz, in his speech at the start of the day.

The activities were numerous. Motivational speaker Marcia Steele addressed the issue and characterization of diversity in America. Directorates and Goddard clubs set up booths to distribute information, stickers and posters. Other booths sold ethnic jewelry, art and food. Musicians performed throughout the day, sporting authentic outfits and cultural instruments. Mariachi, jazz, rock, bagpipes and African music kept foot-tapping audience members entertained.

The day ended with a showdown between directorates to get the most applause by providing a presentation about their contributions to Goddard and the importance of diversity in the workplace.

Code 100 employees performs to the theme song of Sesame Street

Among the contenders was Code 100 wearing masks of characters from Sesame Street and singing "Diversity Street" and Code 150 doing an army drill song about OMNI.

Code 110 takes the the trophy with a lively performance to the Mickey Mouse Club theme

Code 110 took the trophy after mimicking the Mickey Mouse club and enthusiastically calling: "O-H-R Diversity" to the Mickey Mouse song.

The cooperation of so many individuals to make this event a success exemplifies the idea that Goddard is, indeed, a workplace that relies on diversity. The fact that it was a success proves that diversity improves the quality and richness of the Goddard workplace.

Eurest cafeteria employee, Wendy McGill, began the day's festivities by leading the audience in the National Anthem.

"I personally want to make sure that everyone understands that I appreciate all of their individual efforts and recognize the role that diversity plays in the accomplishment of Goddard's mission," said Goddard Director, Al Diaz, shown here making opening remarks early in the day.