Skagit Valley GS Earns First Outstanding Project Award

by Roxanne Lowe

Kris and Chris, proud Skagit Valley GS members, accepting the Outstanding Project Award

The inaugural WSGS Outstanding Project award was awarded at the WSGS Conference in Ellensburg last month to the Skagit Valley Genealogical Society (SVGS) for their “Making Connections Through Roots (Researching Our Origins Teens With Seniors)” project. This deserving effort was a community collaboration between SVGS, the Burlington Public Library and the Burlington-Edison Alternative High School. The purpose of the project was to teach 12th grade students who were at risk of dropping out of school basic researching methods by researching their own unique family histories. In addition to the dedication of many committed individuals, this innovative project received a $23,000 grant from the Paul G. Allen Foundation. The SVGS received a certificate and one-year membership to WSGS for their accomplishment.

Upon reviewing the ROOTS nomination, one reviewer commented,

“I can only find positive remarks to make about this marvelous project. It perfectly combines answers to various struggles that genealogical societies encounter. It embraces youth and validates them. It is an amazing tool for outreach…I applaud the mastermind that created a solution to address so many concerns. I also applaud each and every person that participated in this project. I would love to see this project duplicated by every genealogical society in every county of every state of this great country. Bravo!!”

If you would like to hear more about this outstanding project, contact John Hayes, SVGS President. In addition, the Washington State Library featured a recent First Tuesday webinar about the project. https://sas.elluminate.com/p.jnlp?sid=2008170&psid=2015-01-06.0907.M.51A1F6BD288768B43F3C46EBA9B642.vcr

The WSGS Outstanding Project Award, begun in 2015, is awarded to local genealogical societies or organizations in recognition of exceptional genealogical or historical projects implemented during the past year. Nominations were evaluated based on the following criteria:
  • Number of Society members participating in the project.
  • Number of Society members and/or general public benefiting from the project.
  • Support of local society and/or WSGS goals.
  • Quality and usefulness of the project.
  • Extent of publicity used to promote the project.
  • Success of the project in meetings its goals and objectives.

Announcements for the 2016 nominations will be posted on the Blog in Spring 2016. For more information about the Outstanding Project Award, contact Roxanne Lowe, WSGS Recognition Chair.