ATHENA Award seeks nominations It is time to consider an individual in our region (male or female) who is a leader of note that fits the criteria for the ATHENA award. The event takes place Thursday, April 2, at Rydell's GM Auto Center, South Washington St., Grand Forks. The social begins at 5:30 p.m. with the program at 6:15 p.m. THE ATHENA Award is presented annually by chambers of commerce, women's organizations and universities. The award is established through local host organizations in partnership with ATHENA International's national underwriters, local businesses and individual sponsors. The Grand Forks Regional ATHENA Award is brought to the Grand Forks area by the Grand Forks/East Grand Forks Chamber of Commerce and Rydell's GM Auto Center. ATHENA Award recipients are individuals who: * Demonstrate excellence, creativity, and initiative in their business or profession. * Provide valuable service by contributing time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community. * Actively assist women in realizing their full leadership potential. Past award recipients are: 2008, Bonnie Peterson; 2007, Lillian Elsinga; 2006, Melanie Popejoy; 2005, Kris Compton. Bonnie Peterson is a graduate of the University of North Dakota. She is a founding partner and chief operating officer for the Richard P. Stadter Psychiatric Center, a free-standing psychiatric hospital. She is the director of operations and psychotherapist for the Center for Psychiatric Care, an outpatient mental health clinic. Lillian Elsinga is the associate vice president for student services and dean of students at the University of North Dakota. Melanie Popejoy is the vocal music director at Valley Middle School in Grand Forks and is also the artistic director and founder of the Grand Cities Children's Choir. Kris Compton is the chief operating officer of Alerus Financial. The ATHENA International Young Professional Award: * There are no specific age qualifications, however candidates should be at least college age and have embarked on their career path. Young Professional Award Criteria: * The individual is an emerging leader who demonstrates excellence, creativity and initiative in their business or profession. * The individual provides valuable service by contributing time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community. * The individual clearly serves as a role model for young women personally and professionally. LaVonne Fox was the first recipient of the Young Professional ATHENA Award. She is a full-time faculty member in the Department of Occupational Therapy and an assistant professor. The applications will be available online in January at www.gochamber.org. The deadline is Tuesday, March 3, at 4:30 p.m. delivered or mailed to the Chamber of Commerce, 202 North Third St., Grand Forks, ND 58203. For more information, send an e-mail to info@gochamber.org or visit www.athenafoundation.org Thanks for your consideration in nominating a person in our community who is deserving of this award. -- Shelle Michaels and Jerry Severson, regional ATHENA Award co-chairs.