AWARDS
The Blacksburg Host Lions Club presents several awards each year to recognize outstanding accomplishments in the community and the area.
Photos of Award Winners
The CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD
is presented to a citizen of Blacksburg, who, in the opinion of the Club Citizenship and Patriotism Committee, deserves recognition for substantial contributions to the well-being of the community, but who has worked in relative anonymity.
The recipients of the 2011 award are Virginia Tech’s Delta Gamma sorority. The delta rho chapter began in 1966 with 6 members and now has approximately 129 members. Their motto is “Do Good”.
Delta Gamma offers members lifetime enrichment through educational growth, personal development and opportunities for philanthropic service in the highest spirit of social responsibility. Delta Gamma’s international foundation, Service for Sight, was designed to increase the community’s knowledge and understanding of eye health, visual impairments and sight preservation. The profits from their fundraising and philanthropic events such as Anchor Splash and DG Dog Walk-a-Thon for the Blacksburg Host Lions Club that Delta Rho hosts all go to the Service for Sight foundation!
Anchor Splash is Delta Gamma’s annual week long fundraiser for Service for Sight. Last year, Anchor Splash raised more than $19,000 for Service for Sight. The Delta Rho chapter donated a portion of these funds to the Blacksburg Host Lions Club that benefited seeing-eye dogs that serve the visually impaired in our local community. Montgomery County Schools also received a portion of the funds to buy Braille printers to aid in the education of their visually impaired students. Delta Gamma combined with 30 or more other members of Virginia Tech’s Greek life and students who participate in eight different events at Anchor Splash. At the end of the week, teams show off their remarkable skills in competing in a Talent Show. And lastly, teams participate in pool games such as relays and a belly flop contest.
Delta Gamma also sponsors a 5K run which raised $6,000 for Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndrome, a genetic heart condition that causes death in apparently healthy people. In addition, they have been involved in the Headstart program by hosting Easter egg hunts and Christmas parties for kids. And recently, they and the Lions Club have volunteered to assist public schools in Blacksburg by assisting with eye screening tests.
The Lions JONES/SANDERS AWARD
is presented to the Blacksburg High School senior male and female students who, in the opinion of the School faculty and administrators, best exemplify academic achievement and outstanding citizenship.
The 2011 awards were presented to: ADRIANA IRVINE and HUNTER SMITH
Hunter Smith is an outstanding student. He participated in cheerleading, gymnastics, diving, and tennis. He was class secretary and a volunteer at an elementary school. He plans to major in either physics, math, or chemistry at the University of Virginia.
The H. B. DILLON AWARDS are presented to the Blacksburg High School senior male and female athlete who, in the opinion of the School faculty and administrators, best exemplify athletic performance and sportsmanship.
. The 2011 Dillon Awards were presented to: LINDSEY HENDERSEN and GEORGE CARTER
Lindsey played basketball (for her father), volleyball and soccer. She was a member of the team that received the Wachovia sportsmanship award. Prior to the beginning of soccer practice this year, she tore an ACL, but continues to show up for all practices and games. She will attend Radford University.
Lions International sponsors a Peace Poster Contest each year, urging all Lions Clubs around the world to participate. The Blacksburg Host Club has sponsored a local Peace Poster contest for several years, with contestants from grades 6 and 7 of Blacksburg Middle School.
The 2012 winners were:
7th Grade: Mr. Whorley, teacher
1st Place, Vera Villanueva
2nd Place, Fiona Carter-Tod
3rd Place, Nathaniel Lester
6th Grade: Ms Linda Olin & Ms. Linda Hinson, teachers
1st Place, Kasey Adamo
2nd Place, Ben Wynn
3rd Place, Isabelle de Sturler
Lions of Virginia Bland Music Contest
The Bland Foundation has been providing performing opportunities as well as scholarships to gifted music students, both vocal and instrumental, since 1948. The purpose of the foundation is to promote cultural and educational opportunities for the musically talented young people in Virginia (primarily of high school age). This goal is achieved through progressive competitions, beginning at the local Lions club level and culminating in May in a competition among 12 finalists. The Bland Foundation provides $18,000 to the 12 finalists. The scholarships must be used for college tuition, music lessons, summer music programs or other music education endeavors.
James Bland, an African-American, was a popular composer in the late 1800's. In 1948 the Lions of Virginia were instrumental in having Bland's composition, "Carry Me Back to Old Virginny", adopted as a state song. To honor this prolific writer of Americana, the Lions wanted to create a "living monument". The Lions Clubs of Virginia still honors James Bland and his place in American musical history through this successful, well-established program for supporting musically gifted youth
2010 Winners
1st Place: Instrumental: Emilee Hong Tu, 10th grade, Blacksburg High School
