Swim School Association Honors Seven With Awards at USSSA National Conference

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United States Swim School Association (USSSA) honored seven members with awards during the USSSA National Conference that took place in Maui, Hawaii. The evening was full of honors and accolades for some well deserving individuals.

Brandon Whitehead of SWIMkids USA in Mesa, AZ was the recipient of the Educator of the Year Award. Brandon is a highly sought-after instructor at his swim school. Not only does he still get in the water almost 20 hours a week to teach swim, he is also the Aquatics Director, Head Deck Manager, and CPO. He has many students with special abilities and is one of the most patient instructors you will meet.

Kelli Stryker of SwimJim, Inc. in New York, NY was the second recipient of the Educator of the Year. Kelli been teaching swim for 15 year and has a joy and enthusiasm for education that goes above and beyond lessons in the pool. In addition to being a swim instructor, she is also part of the creative curriculum team, a lead trainer, and has volunteered in the development of the new USSSA swim instructor certification.

Kendra Walker of Emler Swim School was the Guiding Light Award recipient. The Guiding Light Award seeks to honor individuals who have provided exceptional service to the US Swim School Association and other members of the Association. Kendra has been a guiding light to many swim schools in the past couple of years and has spread her loving spirit and joy with everyone she comes in contact with. She really has dedicated so many hours to the Education Committee and we are all better because of her service. Her organization skills and attention to detail have helped other committee chairs advance their work with their teams, to provide better resources for the USSSA.

Rose Cholewinski of SwimAmerica – Davis was the recipient of the Humanitarian Award. The Humanitarian Award seeks to recognize members of the US Swim School Association who have provided outstanding service to others, demonstrating empathy, selflessness, and commitment. Rose truly impacts our world and makes it better for the rest of us. She is a very active and well-loved citizen of her community, as well an active chairperson and member of the Association. She has a passion for supporting her local community through various organizations and her smile and energy light up the room wherever she goes.

Bob and Kathy Hubbard of Hubbard Family Swim School were the recipients of the prestigious Hall of Fame Award. The Hall of Fame award seeks to honor individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to the teaching and learning of swimming. Bob and Kathy are outstanding examples of people who started a company out of passion, grit, and perseverance. The combination of their love for the water, past business experience, and support from fellow USSSA members allowed them to pursue a dream of building a swim school. They both exemplify the criteria for the Hall of Fame award in every way. They have made significant and lasting contributions both in their own community and abroad.

Karen Clay of Swim&Gym in Madison, WI was the Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. The Lifetime Achievement is awarded for outstanding vision, dedication, and commitment to the learn to swim industry. Karen launched her swim school in 1990. She has given back to the USSSA for over 30 years, serving on the board three times, speaking on numerous topics over the years, welcoming new swim school members and offering her guidance and support as a way to give back. She has also spoken internationally where her passion for water safety and helping others shines through. She uses her talents and experience to make other swim schools stronger, better, and more resilient, helping others through the tough times.

About US Swim School Association

US Swim School Association (USSSA) began in 1988 and has become the largest and preeminent swim school association in the country with over 400 members providing swim and water safety instruction to over 500,000 students each year. Swim schools receive invaluable benefits as USSSA members, receiving the latest training in water safety, swim instruction methods and tools, as well as and many other benefits that help establish and build each individual business.

— The above press release was posted by Swimming World in conjunction with USSSA. For press releases and advertising inquiries please contact Advertising@SwimmingWorld.com.

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