Bill Draayer Award 1997

Given in recognition of outstanding personal contributions to the progress and development of the Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association.

Joyce Webster

Respect among peers is never granted but always earned – and it is earned most often by those who do not consciously seek it. Joyce Webster's selfless efforts on behalf of the Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association has earned that respect many years ago and keep giving.

Joyce's AWNA involvement is lengthy since her first Market Area Meeting and Convention in 1985. Joyce was first elected to the AWNA Board of Directors in 1986 and has since served as Corporate Secretary and on various committees including the Advertising Committee, Convention Committee, Education Committee, Junior Citizen's Award Committee, and Better Newspapers Competition Committee. She was also co-chair of the 1997 Golf Tournament which was recently held in Coronation and Consort.

Perhaps the greatest contribution was her work with the Membership Committee. After chairing the committee for two years, Joyce undertook a massive review of all existing member newspapers. The review resulted in major change in the Association by-laws concerning members. Currently Joyce serves AWNA as a representative on the Canadian Community Newspaper Association Board of Directors where she is chairman of Verified Circulation program.

Her willingness to help others in her profession and in her own community will be remembered for a long time.

For all the things you've done in our great profession, we salute you. Thank you, Joyce.