Ernie & Vivia Simmons Award Nomination Form
Ernie and Vivia Simmons were instrumental in bringing the Leadership Training for Christ program to the southwestern United States. Literally, hundreds of people have been affected by the actions of this incredible couple. It is through the direct actions of Ernie and Vivia Simmons that countless children and teenagers have had the opportunity to develop their talents for God and as a result feel more like a contributing member of His church.
The Ernie and Vivia Simmons Award has been established by the LTCSW Board of Directors to be presented annually in honor of Ernie and Vivia Simmons and in recognition of a person or couple who exhibit the qualities of spirit, faith, service, and love of youth championed by this exemplary couple.
The following information should be used as a guideline for nominating persons for the Ernie and Vivia Simmons Award.
- Any adult or married couple that has been actively involved with the LTCSW program is eligible to be nominated. Their involvement could have been at the local congregation level and/or at the regional level.
- Active or past LTCSW board members, participants, church coordinators, event directors, LTCSW volunteers, church leaders, and ministers may nominate someone for this award. A nominator may only submit one nomination form per year.
- The nomination forms should not be interpreted as a vote or a popularity contest. The number of nominations for a certain person or couple will give the LTCSW Board of Directors more information to base their decision upon, but the person or couple with the most nomination forms may not necessarily receive the award.
- The Ernie and Vivia Simmons Award is intended to honor those who have gone the extra mile in serving God and the children within the LTCSW program. Therefore, it is possible that the award will not be awarded each year if the LTCSW Board of Directors feels that none of the nominees meet the intent of the award.
- Once a person or couple receives the award they will not be eligible for consideration again for seven years.
- Nominees not receiving the award must be resubmitted as a new nominee each year. Forms are not carried over.
- The current LTCSW Chairman of the Board is not eligible to be nominated.
The individual or couple receiving the Ernie and Vivia Simmons Award is entitled to award the Vivia Simmons Scholarship for the following convention year. This scholarship may be given to any participant the award recipients deem appropriate. The value of the scholarship is equal to the registration fee for the following convention year.
SUBMISSION PROCESS:
- A submitted Ernie & Vivia Simmons Award Nomination Form must be postmarked or emailed to the LTCSW Chairman of the Board by the deadline given in the important dates. (Only one submission may be submitted per person per year.)
- The current LTCSW Chairman of the Board will make the final decision. This may involve contacting one or more of the people that submitted nominations.
- The Award winner will receive their award during the Saturday night Celebration ceremony at the LTCSW convention.
PAST AWARD RECIPIENTS:
- 2024: Keith & Karen Shepherd (Alma School Road)
- 2023: John & Marleen Van Cleve (Camelback)
- 2022: Mark & Syndi Black (Cornerstone)
- 2021: No Award Presented
- 2020: Mike & Tenna Murphy (Mesa)
- 2019: Bill & Judy Marshall (NMCCH)
- 2018: Josie DePasse (Palo Verde)
- 2017: Steve and Colleen Sior (West Olive)
- 2016: Paul and Jan Lemmons (Palo Verde)
- 2015: Kathy Young (Cortez)
- 2014: Sue Brown (Alma School Road)
- 2013: No Award Presented
- 2012: Bob Larson (Palo Verde)
- 2011: Chad Morse (Lakeview, Tacoma, WA)
- 2010: Darla Milam (High Country)
- 2009: Laurie Powell (Mission Viejo)
- 2008: Kerry Townsend (Northwest)
- 2007: No Award Presented
- 2006: Lynn Shinsky (Farmington, NM)
- 2005: Annette Spandrio (Conejo Valley, CA)
- 2004: Vivia Simmons