So you want to nominate a senior for a Covenant Platinum Award? Good for you! Here are some tips to help you as you write your essay. Each and every nominee will be invited to attend a wonderful gala luncheon in August with great entertainment and a special gift from Covenant Health. So in this case, it's absolutely true that it's an honor just to be nominated. Thank you for taking time to help us honor the people who are putting the gold in golden years, the citizen in senior citizen, and the plus in 65 plus.

The Covenant Platinum Award (honoring active seniors age 65 and older)

1. Stick with current accomplishments. The Covenant Platinum Award isn't intended to be a lifetime achievement award. It's meant to be a lifestyle award.

   It's nice to include a few lines about accomplishments before the age of 65, but don't spend too much time on the past. Instead, focus on how your nominee is living life to the fullest, right now. We're looking for people who exemplify positive aging during their senior years.

2. Remember the words "variety" and "well-rounded." The ideal nominees are well-rounded senior citizens who are who are involved in a variety of pursuits. Don't just tell us about the tap dancer. Tell us about how the tap dancer sings in the church choir, sews quilts, and serves cookies to the neighborhood children. Don't just tell us about the artist. Tell us about how the artist walks two miles a day, volunteers at the local community center and takes classes to improve his craft. Judges will be instructed to look for involvement in four areas: Physical activity, artistic endeavors, academic pursuits, and community involvement.

3. Look for written confirmation. Every nominator will be sent written confirmation when his or her nomination is received and processed. If you don't receive written confirmation, you may assume that Covenant Health never received your essay! Nominate early and if you don't receive written confirmation by mid-June, call 541-4500.