Washington State Square & Folk Dance Federation
Awards & Recognition's

Almon F. Parker Inspirational Award

Almon F Parker was a man who worked untiring for many years to further the interest of the square and folk dance movement. A native of Wenatchee, his interest in square dancing was fostered at an early age by his father who called at private parties for the entertainment of himself and his friends.

Almon F. Parker played a leading role in the forming of the Square and Folk Dance Federation of Washington in 1947-1948 and was elected its first president. During his term of office, the state magazine FOOTNOTES made its first appearance in the form of a ditto sheet. Its purpose then, as now, was to disseminate information of statewide interest to dancers.

He conceived the idea of awarding the ‘Presidents Cup’ at all state festivals each year and made the initial presentation to "Red" Henderson of Spokane in May 1949.

The award is a large gold cup inscribed "The Almon F. Parker Inspirational Award" and accompanying it is a letter which reads a follows:

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN

The recipient of the "Inspirational Award" Cup has been cited for having done an outstanding job of teaching and promoting folk dancing as a wholesome recreation of young and old alike.

He is a member of the Folk Dance Federation of Washington and subscribes to its principles and the principles of folk dancing in general – that democracy and fair play are as important as having fun.

He taught both European (International) and American dances to children (or young people) as well as adults.

The holder must be the final judge as to his successor, and must make the actual presentation, after having the name of his successor engraved on the cup following his own name. When there is no more space on the cup for new names, it is to be returned (along with this letter) to the original donor, or placed in the permanent archives of the Folk Dance Federation of Washington. It is not to be construed that the recipient is the best or the biggest of anything. The cup is not intended as a prize in any kind of competition, but merely a symbol of recognition of inspiring work done in the field of folk dancing.

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Harry MacGregor Award

To be the recipient of this Award Trophy is to be recognized as one who has done an outstanding job of promoting square dancing and has worked in many phases of our activity. It is to honor a person or couple for the time and effort that they have devoted to our hobby. They will retain it for one year and will then present it to another party outside their council.

Each council will send in a nomination to the current holder the Ex-Presidents (X-P’s) club will also send in a nomination. This should be accompanied with a resume of the nominee’s accomplishments. Nominations aid in choosing a recipient and do not mean recipients must be chosen from those nominations.

The current recipient must have the name of the successor engraved on the Trophy and present it at the next State Festival.

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President's Award

The President’s Award shall be given at the discretion of the State Federation President. It shall be given to those individuals that have spent several years giving exceptional service to further the development of square and round dancing within the State of Washington.

This award should not necessarily be restricted to those working as State Federation officers or committee chairs. Any dancer, teacher or caller shall be eligible to be recognized for their long and exceptional service.

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Bob McNutt Award

Bob McNutt was born in Fort Collins Colorado.  In 1930 his family moved to Benton City, Washington.  Bo and Martha McNutt met and married in 1938 and were married for 60 years.

Bob McNutt was an active member of the State Federation.  Bob championed his idea of "leadership training".  This dream project became a reality in 1968, when under the leadership of the State Federation President Bill Twilley, the go-ahead was given.  The Leadership Seminar has been a vital part of the Federation Program ever since.

Bob and Martha received the Parker Award in 1968 and were the first recipients of the President's Award in 1974.

Bob was strict on our tradition of dancing; "no booze, always in costume, and don't make money before friends".

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN

The Bob McNutt Round Dance Cuer/Teacher Award recipient will be a person cited for having done an outstanding job of teaching and promoting Round Dancing as a wholesome recreation for all ages

He/she is an active participant of the Square and Folk Dance Federation of Washington and subscribes to its principles and the principles of Folk Dancing in general - that democracy and fair play are as important as having fun.

The holder must be the final judge as to his or her successor and must make the actual presentation, after having the name of their successor engraved on the Award.  It is not to be construed that the recipient of this Award is the best of anything.  The Award is merely a symbol of recognition for inspiring work done in the field of Round Dancing.

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Youth Scholarship Award

Scholarship Application Requirements and Procedures

January 15^th 2000 the Square and Folk Dance Federation of Washington, Inc. voted to award an annual merit based $500 youth scholarship. Youth dancers who are actively involved in our activity and are members in good standing of a Washington State Federated Club can make application for this scholarship. The State Youth Coordinators must receive completed applications no later than April 1^st Annually.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

• Applicants must be active members in good standing of a Washington State Federated Club
• Applicants will be from the ages of 17 thru 22.
• Applicants must have shown a commitment to the promotion of square dancing.
• Funds must be used to further education beyond high school.

NOMINATION PROCEDURES

The following items are required:

• A completed application form [FORM], which may also be obtained by contacting the State Youth Coordinator.
• A letter of nomination from your State Federated Council.
• Each nominee must prepare a essay on your involvement in square dancing, how it has impacted your life, how you would help square dancing grow and why you deserve this scholarship.

NOMINATION DEADLINE

• The State Youth Coordinator must receive all completed application by February 1st annually.

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