Sample Platinum Award Winning Nomination - Beverly LaHote Schwind (2006)

Nominated by: Jan Saunders

WHY MY NOMINEE DESERVES TO WIN…

Beverly LaHote Schwind, age 71, is recognized in the Upper Cumberland area as a multi-talented athlete, a sought-after teaching model for healthy lifestyle, a published author and speaker, and a dedicated Christian volunteer in both church and community. Bev is a regular competitor in Senior Olympics where she has won district, state and national recognition not only in tennis, but also on softball and three-on-three basketball teams. She regularly represents Fairfield Glade Tennis Center in USTA and other tournaments throughout the state. In addition, Bev enjoys a good game of golf whenever possible. As a retired nurse, Bev is especially aware of the tremendous benefits of healthy living not only for herself, but for others as well. As past president of Licensed Practical Nurses of Ohio, Bev has been a featured speaker at recent annual nursing conferences back in her home state. For the past two years she has, as a volunteer, led a continuous series of weekly group studies called First Place, in which she incorporates nutrition education, exercise, and Biblically-based discussion especially geared for weight management. Her enthusiastic students and the classes which she helped start in other areas have celebrated the cumulative loss of several hundred pounds in about two years' time. Bev co-authored and published an acclaimed Biblical fiction book in 2005 entitled Shira's Song, and is currently publishing Shira's Dance as a sequel. Both novels are compassionate, intriguing, and authenticated with Biblical traditions and research. Bev is presently composing a series of devotionals for nation-wide distribution in the First Place workbooks, in addition to writing as a regular columnist for the weekly Glade Vista. Past Chairman of Christian Women's Club, she is a leader in The Write Touch Inspirational Writers and a member of Plateau Writers. Bev, with the support of her husband, Jim Schwind, fills many volunteer positions in addition to being a designated "Gramma Who Rocks" for the fourteen kids of their three daughters and one son; and caregiver for her feisty 97-year-old mother. She often helps with senior ministries in Cumberland County; she also fills in with nursing-related needs at Bread of Life rescue mission; and highlights most weeks by counseling and praying with women incarcerated in the local county jail. Recently she helped Jim and the other volunteer firemen serve 1400 people in a fund-raiser pancake breakfast. Finally, the aspect of Bev Schwind that clearly defines her athletics, her writing, and her volunteer work is her dedicated Christian faith. As a founding member and deaconess of non-denominational Cumberland Worship Center, Bev is always involved, whether the need might be for a prayer focus, kitchen crew, children's teacher, or enthusiastic actress with the drama team. Bev uses her Emmy Award-winning story-telling skills along with her medical expertise as she ministers to needy children and families on mission trips to impoverished areas of the nation and world. As Bev's friend, her co-author, tennis partner, and sister in Christ, I am confident she represents all that Covenant Platinum Awards seeks to honor in this recognition.