Stacy Smith Volunteer Award

In his “Thousand Points of Light” speech, President George H. W. Bush moved a nation to recognition of those thousands and thousands of volunteers that dedicate themselves to the aid of humanity to help to make this world a better place. Some of those “Points” shine brighter than others.
 
The Quiet Water Society decided in 2018 that it was time to place our light on some our own shining examples. Each year, hundreds of selfless individuals, as supporters of the Quiet Water Society and the many organizations that participate in this symposium, donate countless hours, talents, and money to the causes that make our world a better place. All of them are deserving of recognition for their contributions. The first one there is often the last to leave, and that is the one person to whom everyone knows you can go for that little bit extra that we just can’t pull it off. Oddly it often seems that person steps to the back when the laurels are handed out. Those volunteers are the ones that every organization, movement, or cause leader hopes for and treasures the most.

The Stacy Smith Outstanding Volunteer Award was presented for the first time at the Quiet Water Symposium in 2018 to her family in memory of her many years of volunteer service to her many causes and her selfless dedication to the paddling community. The award was designed to be given annually to a volunteer deserving of recognition for the qualities that Stacy exemplified.

2024 Stacy Smith Awardee:  Kate Lederle



For years, Kate Lederle has been a volunteer with multiple Quiet Adventures Society events where she became a familiar face to many. When it comes to the Symposium, Kate has been a friendly face at the raffle or check-in tables, as well as being someone who can always be counted on to step in and take on last-minute challenges. Kate’s work on behalf of the Society was extraordinarily helpful through difficult times like the pandemic wherein she made the effort to remain involved with volunteering. While at Society events, Kate always took the time to make sure that the Lansing Oar and Paddle Club (LOAPC), another group she finds herself involved with, was always appropriately and duly represented. Always ready to help, Kate was never one to sit back and watch others do all the work. She has foresight and intuition that she uses to be thorough in her activities, which greatly assist the organizations for which she is a volunteer. In addition to chairing LOAPC committees, Kate has supported and coordinated LOAPC’s participation in the Annual Youth Sports Event, where kids have the opportunity to try out kayaks in a safe and supervised location, along with other outdoor activities. It is with great honor the that Quiet Adventures Society selects Kate Lederle as our 2024 Stacy Smith Outstanding Volunteer Award.

Past Award Winners
2023 - Joe Lessard
2020 - Pat Harrington and Robin Barfoot
2019 - Rich Bailey
2018 - Stacy Smith

*2021 and 2022 were omitted as no award was presented those years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.