by Debbie Rozear and Deb Trevino
As co-chairs, Debbie Rozear and Deb Trevino would like to thank their awards committee for assisting in the process of choosing from all the wonderful nominations that were received this year. And a big “thank you” to everyone who submitted nominations for consideration.
This year’s ACB awards winners are:
Robert S. Bray Award – Karen Keninger, Director of the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Washington, D.C. Karen is compassionate and dedicated to her work for and with blind and visually impaired people. She spoke during Monday’s general session and was truly surprised when she was given the award immediately following her presentation.
Margarine G. Beaman Volunteer Award – Michael Smitherman, exhibit coordinator, Jackson, Miss. Michael received his award during the ACB virtual banquet. After many, many years of his dedication to our organization, he is well deserving of this award. Here’s to a job well done and to all the years yet to come. Thanks for all your hard work.
George Card Award – Camille Caffarelli, Horizons for the Blind, Crystal Lake, Ill. (presented in memoriam to Jessica Dunn). Jessica gave a very heartfelt speech after our presentation at the virtual banquet. You could hear the love for Camille through the words that were spoken. Camille will be missed by all.
Each year, there are usually two affiliate awards presented. The Kansas Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired received an Affiliate Growth Award for having the largest percentage (28.8%) of new members. The Affiliate Growth Award for the largest number of new members (37) went to the North Dakota Association of the Blind.
The awards committee will be seeking nominations for these and other awards early next year. It’s not too soon to start thinking about an individual or an organization that may have touched your life. Look for the article in the January 2021 issue.