Beginner: John DT Shelton Memorial Trophy
Sponsored By: Karen Shelton-Johnson
The John DT Shelton Memorial Trophy was established in 1975 and is awarded to the Beginner dancer with the highest aggregate points for the day at the Winter competition. This trophy is sponsored by Karen Shelton-Johnson in memory of her beloved oldest brother, Johnny. He and Karen often commiserated about the joys (and aggravations) of working with young people - Karen as a dance teacher, and John as a Boy Scouts leader. At one point he had 78 young men in his troop, and he mentored 30 Eagle Scouts in his short life. Sadly, John passed away from cancer at only 31 years old. Today, we remember John’s wonderful, supportive spirit and his enthusiasm for mentoring youth by awarding this trophy in his memory.
Novice: Ervin and Elvira Shelton Memorial Trophy
Sponsored By: Karen Shelton-Johnson
The Ervin and Elvira Shelton Memorial Trophy was established in 2015 and is awarded to the Novice dancer with the highest aggregate points for the day at the Winter competition. This trophy is sponsored by Karen Shelton-Johnson in memory of her cherished parents, Ervin and Elvira. Karen would not be the person she is today without the love, guidance, and unwavering support she received from her parents. Ervin and Elvira were members of the SHDA since 1959, when Karen first began competing. Ervin served as Secretary for the association and both Ervin and Elvira ran concessions at the competitions for many years. They just loved seeing all the dancers.
Intermediate: George and Sheila McGillvray and Peggy Kyle Memorial Trophy
Sponsored By: Karen Shelton-Johnson
The George and Sheila McGillivray and Peggy Kyle Memorial Trophy was established in 2015 and is awarded to the Intermediate dancer with the highest aggregate points for the day at the Winter competition. This trophy is sponsored by Karen Shelton-Johnson in memory of her dance teacher, Sheila McGillivray, as well as Sheila’s husband, George, and Sheila’s mother, Peggy Kyle. Karen was like a daughter to George and Sheila and has many fond memories of them. George McGillivray was a past president of the Seattle Highland Dance Association, as well as the Seattle Scottish Highland Games held each July in Enumclaw.
Premier: Wright Memorial Trophy
Sponsored By: The Ochs Family
The Wright Memorial Trophy was established in 2015 and is awarded to the Premier dancer with the highest aggregate points for the day at the Winter competition. This trophy is sponsored by the Ochs family.
Jewell and J.V. Wright, also known as Judy and Jim, were the grandparents of the Ochs girls who, alongside their mother, Jacki Ochs, have been longtime members and supporters of SHDA. Judy's grandparents were from Scotland so, as a result, Judy loved all things Scottish. Her love of Scotland ultimately inspired Jacki to take her family to the Pacific Northwest Highland Games in 1993 after moving from Florida to Seattle. That's when it all started for the Ochs family who continue to be part of SHDA and the Highland community. Judy would have been absolutely overwhelmed with pride to see her granddaughters involved in Scottish arts.
As for Jim., this trophy is specifically presented at the winter competition in celebration of Jim's life. His birthday, February 1st, is almost always very close to the SHDA winter competition and a great day to be reminded of his support of the Ochs girls throughout their time as dancers.
