The Waller Taylor II “Exceptional Service Award” was created to recognize contributions of extraordinary merit and intensity on a particular project or area of work. Named in honor of the late, long-time chairman of the YMCA Board, this award is distinct from the Golden Book of Distinguished Service. It is presented, as appropriate, to a volunteer or staff person in the Association who has demonstrated exceptionally dedicated service in advancing the work of the Association and is not given often – less than a dozen times since it was created over 20 years ago.
While the primary emphasis is upon volunteer recognition, staff who have rendered exceptionally meritorious service are considered. There is no length of tenure of service requirement, and the award is not intended to be presented annually, but rather when unusually significant service warrants its presentation. The most important aspect of the selection is the recipient’s example of dedicated service of enduring value to YMCA participants, to the branch and/or total Association.
PREVIOUS RECIPIENTS
Bill Applegate
Torrance-South Bay, 1984
Harlan Palmer
Hollywood, 1986
Douglas K. Grogan
Santa Clarita Valley, 1987
Robert Wilkins
Ketchum-Downtown, 1992
Edmond J. Russ
Gardena-Carson, 1995
Fred and Madeleine Arnold
Hollywood Wilshire, 1996
Patricia de Felice
Westchester, 1998
Stanley Bryant
North Valley, 1999
Laura Deibel
Hollywood Wilshire, 2002
Tim Allen
Hollywood Wilshire, 2002
Stu Ketchum
Association, 2007
W. J. Ellison
Association, 2011
Robert G. Shafer
Association, 2017
Ann Samson
Collins & Katz, 2019
Mario Valenzuela
Weingart East Los Angeles, 2021
Lionnel Zaragoza
Mid Valley, 2021
