Submitted by Rachelle Neal AIFD
Oh, what fun it was to surprise some special AIFD members in Las Vegas! After 2 years of symposium postponements, we had 12 awards to give out for 2020, 2021, & 2022! It may have made for a little longer of an evening, but it was well worth it to see the smiles and surprise on each of their faces.
Jackie Lacey AIFD was first up giving awards to two deserving members. The first went to Tom Simmons AIFD for all of his years of service to the National Board. Boy, was he difficult to keep that surprise from since he is on my awards committee! The second was Sandy Schroeck AIFD PFCI, for her outstanding service to AIFD. Sandy works so hard in all aspects for AIFD. Lastly, from the National Board, Janet Black AIFD gave out the 2022 award to Jackie Lacey AIFD. The commitment that Jackie has for AIFD, especially shown during his two years as President of our institute, during a pandemic, is incredible; thank you Jackie!
We then had our Award of Merit given to Linda Adams from FNGLA. A big thank you to her for always helping to promote AIFD through TPIE.
The Award of Design Influence has only been given out a few times, this year Lynn Lary McLean presented it to Charlie Gropetti AIFD. His designs are so incredible and recognizable. He has taken his design style and transposed it into works of art for the home. His style is best described as elegant, farm to table.
We had three years’ worth of Distinguished Service to the Floral Industry to present. The 2020 award went to Susie Kostick AIFD. John Kittinger AIFD composed a beautiful speech about all of Susie’s accomplishments and dedication to AIFD. The 2021 award, presented by Laurie Lemek AIFD, went to Chris Norwood AIFD for his 28 years of service to AIFD, and especially his “Happy” that has put smiles on people’s faces across the internet throughout the pandemic. Our 2022 recipient was Deborah De La Flor AIFD. Deborah is a constant cheerleader for everyone in our floral world. Her years of dedication to AIFD committees earned this lady the Distinguished Service to the Floral Industry award, presented by Jacob McCall AIFD.
Of course, we always save the best for last, and finally it was time to present the newest Fellows. We gave this Award of Distinguished Service to AIFD to four very deserving individuals. For 2020, we awarded two new fellows. The first was beautifully presented by Jackie Lacey AIFD, and went posthumously to David Shover AIFD. David’s family was so grateful to see him, and his service, recognized. Secondly for 2020, Ken Senter AIFD gave a moving speech, listing out all of the achievements and volunteerism by Bill McKinley AIFD. Both David and Bill have done so much for AIFD, and our industry.
The 2021 award was given by Sharon McGukin AIFD, to a very deserving Joyce Mason-Monheim AIFD. Joyce was surprised by her family, waiting just backstage to help honor her.
2022 was so much fun to watch as John Kittinger AIFD presented to recipient Ann Jordan AIFD, and when she saw that her son was there to surprise her, she dropped to her knees and cried such happy tears, I know we were all crying along with her!
A huge congratulations to all of our 2020, 2021, & 2022 awardees. AIFD is successful in its mission of education and service because of the incredible dedication and volunteerism shown by our award members, we and appreciate you all!
For more information on each award, click here
Special Award of Recognition (Given out by the National Board):
2020: Tom Simmons AIFD
2021: Sandy Schroeck AIFD
2022: Jackie Lacey AIFD
Award of Merit:
2020: Linda Adams – FLGLA
Distinguished Service to the Floral Industry:
2020: Susie Kostick AIFD
2021: Chris Norwood AIFD
2022: Deborah De La Flor AIFD
Award of Design Influence:
2020: Charlie Gropetti AIFD
Fellow – Award of Distinguished Service to AIFD:
2020: David Shover AIFD– Posthumously
2020: Bill McKinley AIFD
2021: Joyce Mason Monheim AIFD
2022: Ann Jordan AIFD
Congratulations to everyone who received the awards I am so very happy for them! Thank you AIFD for sharing ! I would love to have some DVDS from the symposium when they are already! Angela Palmer AIFD