News

District 8 News from California, Hawaii and Nevada

FWATA 2019 Awards Banquet

Kris Boyle-Walker and family

On April 27th, the Far West Athletic Trainers’ Association held the Annual Awards Banquet, with over 400 in attendance, was able to honor 11 student scholarships, three research grant recipients, three free communication competition winners in each category, professional and student exchange, along with the Special Recognition, Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer and Hall of Fame Awardees.

Tricia Kasamatsu and Michelle Samuel were awarded the Special Recognition Award for their contributions to the District, mainly for their support to our students. The Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award was presented to Stacey Ritter for her outstanding contributions during her illustrious career within the District and throughout the NATA.

The night was highlighted by the induction of Kris Boyle-Walker into the FWATA Hall of Fame, Class of 2019. Kris has been active throughout FWATA and NATA and is most notable in her work on the Education Programs Committees, helping to elevate the offerings at both district and national annual meetings and symposiums. Currently she is working as Assistant Director of Physical Therapy at Orthopaedic Specialty Institute in Orange and has been a preceptor for various athletic training programs.

Michelle Samuel, Stacey Ritter, Kris Boyle-Walker, Tricia Kasamatsu

Kavin Tsang, Kris’ presenter, was able to surprise her with both kind words but also a video of her colleagues that she had served on various committees with. “She is a rock star, an excellent leader who is able to coax the best efforts out of her committee members with respect and a smile on her face, commented Tsang, “Thank you for all you have done and will continue to do in representing our district, the national membership, and advancing our profession!” Kris was humbled by the honor and was thankful to many of whom were in attendance. “I was not standing on that stage alone. I share the honor with my family, mentors, fellow committee members and colleagues. Together, great things can be accomplished,” stated Boyle-Walker, “It was an amazing evening. One that I will cherish. To be honored by your colleagues is priceless.”

It was a great night honoring these great recipients, congratulations again go out to Kris, Stacey, Tricia and Michelle.

 

 

 

 

Courtesy of the Honors and Awards Committee

Comments are closed

Far West Athletic Trainers Association