AKC Outstanding Sportsmanship Award    

This is a new AKC award which honors individuals who deserve special recognition who have made a difference in the sport of purebred dogs, embodied the AKC Code of Sportsmanship, and have been an active and valued member of an AKC member
Club

BILLIE KOVACS was selected as LKC's recipient in this first year of the award. President Russ Southworth presented the gold Medallion to Billie on Dec. 18 at the Christmas Awards Dinner.

In addition to her duties as Secretary of Show Affairs, Billie is involved in just about every aspect of LKC activities. She is a representative to the Classic Committee and is liaison to the various specialty clubs in the area as well as AKC. She has been Trial Secretary for LKC Tracking Trials and--almost single-handedly--heads every facet of those Trials, almost since inception. She stewards regularly in Obedience for LKC and specialty clubs who hold shows in our area. She pressed for Rally to be held with the Classic. She organized and continues to coordinate the 4-Foot Soldiers program since 2005.

She spearheaded the effort of LKC to provide oxygen mask kits to the Fire Dept., Div. of Environmental and Emergency Management, and the Airport. She took care of all the details of these donations, coordinating with the Fire Dept. Billie regularly helps with training classes, Farmers' Market, 4-H programs and Puppy/Fun Match.

Billie also spends countless hours working with Show Chairmen and show committees, serving on the Judges' Selection Committee of the Classic and LKC. She makes contact to the judges, communicates to each one and "puts out fires" as these emergencies occur with any or all. She is vital to setup and takedown of the shows and makes herself available for any duty on show days. These are only a few of Billie's contributions to her club.

A club member since 1984, Billie has served as President, Secretary for Club Affairs and Secretary for Show Affairs. She has also been Assistant Show Chairman, co-Chief Ring Steward and has stewarded many times in both Conformation and Obedience. She also bred and showed German Shepherds in both Conformation and Obedience.

Billie is knowledgeable, congenial and helpful, and she has a great sense of humor.

The Lexington Kennel Club is fortunate to have a member of this caliber. Billie sets a high standard and is an example to us all.

CONGRATULATIONS to Billie Kovacs as LKC's first recipient of the AKC Outstanding Sportsmanship Award.

Peggy Harrell