AWS ANNOUNCES:
2007 Organizer of the Year Award

Congratulations Cheryl Dikkers, WI State Director for being the 2007 AWS Inspection Organizer of the year. Cheryl is pictured above with her partner of 8 years, Bob Purvis. Without him, according to Cheryl, her equine endeavor would not have been possible.

Cheryl has been a horse lover and owner for most of her life. She first learned about AWS when a friend asked her to consider hosting an AWS Inspection at her facility. She had never heard of the AWS. After through research, Cheryl states "she was impressed with the mission and purpose of the organization". Cheryl has since hosted AWS Seminars and Inspections in 2005, 2006 and 2007.

Cheryl had a fantastic AWS Inspection this year. She managed to find lots of effective volunteers, not an easy task. Cheryl and her Volunteers are an inspiration to everyone that knows them. They were very well trained and knew their jobs and the participants were happy campers!

Starting in 2008, Cheryl's profession as a psychotherapist will be combined with her passion with horses . She will be helping people regain and maintain their mental health by utilizing horses at her Spirit Dance Ranch. By offering "Equine Assisted Psychotherapy" she will be treating clients who would normally not respond to traditional "talk therapy. Her future looks bright indeed! The AWS wishes her success with all of her efforts and looks forward to another successful year with Cheryl.

Honorable Mention (alphabetical by last name)