Beginner: Vivienne McIntyre Zorich Memorial Trophy
Sponsored By: Robin MacRae, Carol McPherson, and Leanore Curran
The Vivienne McIntyre Zorich Memorial Trophy was established in 2014 and is awarded to the Beginner dancer with the highest aggregate points for the day at the Fall competition. This trophy is sponsored by some of Vivienne’s students in honor of their beloved dance teacher. Vivienne expected students to be prepared and ready for every dance class. She believed in her students and gave them confidence – she was a kind and compassionate teacher. Her love of dance created many local Northwest dance teachers, including Robin, Carol, Leanore, and Teresa Ball – all of whom are dear friends. The old saying, “Dynamite comes in small packages!” describes Vivienne to a “T”, for although she was barely five feet tall, the impact she has had on the Seattle Highland dance community will endure for many generations to come.
Novice: Sandra Smibert Memorial Trophy
Sponsored By: Liza Tewell and family
Sandra Smibert was vivacious, funny, bright, and fearless. She was born in Ontario to a long line of Canadian-Scots. She was competitive in many sports and a member of her school’s governing council. Sadly, Sandra was just 13 years old when she passed away. This trophy honors Sandra’s joyful spirit. It also serves to recognize those traits that encourage novice competitors to continue striving for excellence in their dancing, and acknowledges and rewards those who exemplify hard work, perseverance, and sportsmanship. The Sandra Smibert Memorial Trophy is presented to the Novice dancer with the highest aggregate points at the fall competition on behalf of Sandra’s cousins, Vicky MacFeidh and Liza Tewell, and her aunt, Muriel Smibert MacFeidh.
Intermediate: Keith Highlanders Pipe Band Perpetual Trophy
Sponsored By: Inge Merry and Kiki Bentzen, on behalf of the Bentzen School of Highland Dance
The Keith Highlanders Pipe Band Perpetual Trophy is awarded to the top Intermediate dancer at the Fall competition. Inge and Kiki are drummers with the Keith Highlanders Grade 3 competition band and their dancers regularly perform with the pipe band. KHPB was founded in 1952 and is a non-profit cultural and educational organization dedicated to broadening the public’s interest in, and appreciation for, traditional Scottish piping, drumming, and dancing in the Pacific Northwest. KHPB has always been a big support of Seattle Highland Dance Association, as well as dancers throughout the Northwest Region. Organizations such as KHPB are proud to help keep Highland dancing strong win the Pacific Northwest.
Premier: Keene and Margaret McPherson Memorial Trophy
Sponsored By: Carol McPherson
This trophy is a recognition of the time and effort Carol’s parents dedicated to SHDA during the early days of the association. Their support, like that of countless other parent volunteers, made it possible for SHDA to grow into the organization it is today. Likewise, today’s parent volunteers are now paving the way for future dancers.
Clan Hay Earl of Errol Special Trophy, Premier 15 and Under
And
Clan Hay Earl of Errol Special Trophy, Premier 16 and Over
Sponsored By: Karen Shelton-Johnson
Earl of Errol is not just the name of a Scottish dance, it is also a title of the Peerage of Scotland. It was created in 1453 for Sir William Hay. The Earls of Errol hold the hereditary title of Chief of Clan Hay. Robert “Bob” Hay was a member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church and served as the American Chieftain of Clan Hay. Bob is warmly remembered for proudly presenting the Clan Hay Earl of Errol trophies at SDHA competitions, which for many years were held at St. Andrews Church. These trophies are awarded to the two winners of the Premier Earl of Errol dance off. The dancers who place top three in the Earl of Errol from each Premier age group are invited to the dance off. The first trophy is awarded to a dancer 15 years old or younger and the second trophy is awarded to a dancer 16 years or older. These trophies are sponsored by Karen Shelton-Johnson, in honor of her ties to Clan Hay in Scotland and in fond remembrance of Bob Hay.
