caption:

 

Honored

Leo Mikayla Van Dam, right, with Lions District  23C Governor Nanette Burdick. Courtesy photo

 

 

Van Dam 

receives Leo of

the Year Award

PUTNAM — Putnam Leo Mikayla Van Dam, 17, a senior at Putnam High School, was named Leo of the Year by Lions Clubs International for the association’s 2013-2014 fiscal-year.  Van Dam is one of only 30 Leos world-wide, and only 12 in the U.S. who has been honored with this award.  

She was acknowledged for her accomplishments Sept. 18 at a Lions and Leo Reception at J.D. Cooper’s Restaurant in Putnam.  Lions District 23C Governor Nanette Burdick presented the award to her.  In addition, District 23C Leo Liaison Diana Grise was present for the celebration. She will be formally recognized at the Connecticut Lions Mid-Winter Conference at the Crowne Plaza in Cromwell, CT on February 7, 2015. 

According to Lion Al Cormier, the Putnam II Leo Club adviser-team leader, “Leo Mikayla Van Dam cares about people.  As president of the Leo Club she was the pulse behind the club’s growth these past two years, resulting in significant strides in membership, retention and fund-raising efforts.  Possessing high ethical standards and personal integrity, her solid family-based values and morals guide her thoughts, words and actions.  In her humble way she has earned the respect of our Leos and adviser-team.  Mikayla sets the example and is tireless in motivating her peers to get the job done, regardless of what is required.  She continues to make a difference in all that she does.”

In addition to the Leo Mikayla’s award, the Putnam II Leo Club received the Leo Club Excellence Award from Lions Clubs International for the association’s 2013-2014 fiscal-year.  This award was given to only 50 clubs world-wide.

The Putnam II Leo Club is involved in helping the community though holiday “ Adopt-a-Family” support and in the School Age Child Care Program.  Additional projects in which they are involved include Daily Bread, Community Cafe, NEADS – Canines for Combat Veterans, Special Olympics, Eyeglass Recycling, HOPE Used Cell Phone drives, Putnam Clean Up Days, Empty Bowls, Putnam Family Resource Center back-to-school backpacks and the Putnam Lions Fall Classic Bike Ride.  Leo fund-raising benefits Lions’ charities, including Camp Rising Sun, CT Eye Research Foundation, Lions Low Vision Center and the FIDELCO Guide Dog Foundation.  In addition they support the Barton Center for Diabetes Education, CT Audubon Center of Pomfret, N.O.W. Foundation and the Windham County 4-H Foundation.

For more info contact Cormier at 860-928-2495.