U.S. Swim School Association – Swim School and Swimming Related News
U.S. Swim School Association Announces 2012 Award WinnersEvery year at the United States Swim School Association Fall Conference, several awards are handed out to honor significant contributors who have made an impact on our industry. The Board of Directors nominated and selected winners for the Guiding Light award and the “Best of…” awards were voted on by member schools in attendance at the conference. The U.S. Swim School Association Hall of Fame honors individuals who have at least 20 years of experience and have made exceptional contributions to the swim school profession and learn-to-swim industry. Inductees are nominated by U.S. Swim School Association members and selected by the Board of Directors.
Hall of Fame Inductee Congratulations to Lana Whitehead!Founder of one of the largest swim schools in the country, this year's Hall of Fame inductee started the impactful foundation, Blake’s Miracle in 2006, after the loss of her grandson to leukemia. She coordinates its annual swim-a-thon, which has raised over $200,000 for drowning prevention programs and pediatric pain management. Lana has successfully integrated her life’s missions in to the SWIMkids USA curriculum: School readiness and the importance of active movement on early brain development. She speaks both locally and internationally on the above mention subjects, as well as, water safety and the benefits of swimming, and has also written four books focusing on those topics. Lana’s success as a teacher, employer, and mentor has been credited to her focus on each individual’s learning style. She has created a positive and supportive work environment that in-turn, has generated one of the most prolific businesses in our association. Lana’s list of accomplishments is vast, and always benefits a multitude of people. This list includes but is not limited to:
Lana Whitehead touches everyone she meets; her students, staff, peers, and her community. She is a true testament to our organization and our industry as a whole, and we are pleased to announce that she is the United States Swim School Association’s 2012 Hall of Fame inductee. Thank you Lana, for your many years of service and continued work to change lives!
Lana Whitehead - SWIMkids USA Guiding Light Award This year’s Guiding Light Award goes to John Kirk, Little Otter Swim School Owner. As chair of the USSSA PR Committee, John is involved with numerous projects throughout the association. Despite his busy schedule at Little Otter Swim School, he welcomes the responsibility that accompanies his position, and strives to exceed expectations. Whether assisting with the association website, or researching for the monthly newsletter, John is always looking for new ways to move the USSSA forward, and highlighting the members that are helping us do so. You can always find him on facebook, posting helpful industry tips, relevant news articles, and updates on current events. With an unmatched work ethic, and a mentoring spirit, John has touched many, and is an inspiration to all. Thank you John, for the constant care and commitment that you dedicate to others!
John Kirk - Little Otter Swim School
Finis Performance Award The 2012 Finis Performance Award goes to United States Swim Academy in Coral Springs, Florida. This project was developed entirely by the staff of the United States Swim Academy. The submission video was a fun task for the team to make, and the outcome has been extremely profitable. Click here to view the video. Benefits include:
All of this has been accomplished without affecting their pool schedule. The Finis Performance Award will be awarded once a year to the swim school that develops its peers by sharing a product, process, or profit idea that generates change, improvements, or increased revenue in their business. Along with an award and bragging rights, the US Swim Academy was awarded with a $500 check from our Premier Sponsor, Finis. This year’s winners not only met all of the criteria, but developed an idea that swim schools of any size and/or budget can incorporate and profit from. Look for more of our outstanding submissions in our upcoming newsletters.
“Best of…” Awards For the “Best of…” awards, member swim schools all across the world were invited to enter submissions in a variety of categories. Winners were then selected based on a vote by members in attendance at the conference. The 2012 “Best of Association” award winners are as follows:
Congratulations to all our 2012 winners! |
