Member Awards

The Guiding Light Award honors individuals who lead with kindness, generosity, and a deep commitment to helping others succeed. These mentors generously share their time, knowledge, and support, never seeking recognition, yet always making a meaningful difference. Through quiet, consistent leadership, they inspire others by example. Whether through one-on-one mentorship, involvement in key initiatives, or simply being a steady source of encouragement, their impact is deeply felt across the USSSA community.

Nominated by their peers and selected by the Board of Directors, recipients of this award are true guiding lights—helping shape the future of our industry with heart and purpose.

The Humanitarian Award honors members of the United States Swim School Association who demonstrate extraordinary compassion, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to serving others. A deep sense of purpose drives these individuals. They utilize their time, talent, and resources to uplift those in need, support meaningful causes, and bring about positive change in their communities. Whether through charitable work, advocacy, or hands-on service, their efforts reflect a heart for humanity and a desire to leave the world better than they found it. More than leaders in their field, these honorees are beacons of kindness and integrity. Their actions inspire others to give back and remind us all of the impact one person can have when they lead with empathy and selflessness.

Nominated by their peers and selected by the USSSA Board of Directors, recipients of the Humanitarian Award represent the highest ideals of service, compassion, and goodwill, extending the reach of the swim school community in powerful and lasting ways.

The Hall of Fame Award, honors an extraordinary individual whose long-term contributions have profoundly shaped the learn-to-swim industry. This prestigious recognition is reserved for those whose vision, leadership, and influence have left an indelible mark on the future of swim education and water safety. This award celebrates true pioneers—individuals whose passion and purpose have not only driven their personal success but have also inspired progress across the entire industry. Their achievements are more than milestones; they are a legacy—immortalized to remind us all of what’s possible when dedication meets impact.

Inductees exemplify:

• Enduring Impact – With a minimum of 20 years of service, or a career of such transformative influence that recognition is merited even mid-career.
• Unmatched Leadership – Trailblazing initiatives that have elevated industry standards, nurtured future leaders, and inspired their peers.
• A Lasting Legacy – Contributions that extend beyond their own programs to shape national policies, advance best practices, and improve community well-being.
  

Nominees are submitted by their peers and carefully selected by the USSSA Board of Directors, joining a distinguished and inspirational group of industry legends whose work continues to save lives, empower professionals, and grow the reach of swim education.

The Lifetime Achievement Award is based on career longevity, philanthropic endeavors and lasting contributions to society.  The award is for individuals with at least 10 years of accomplishments in the learn to swim industry who have had a significant impact on a large number of individuals and organizations. Lifetime Achievement awards are awarded to recognize contributions over the whole of a career, rather than or in addition to single contributions. Inductees are nominated and selected by the Board of Directors.

With thousands of passionate instructors across the country, the Ed McHale Instructor of the Year Award stands as one of the most inspiring honors in the learn-to-swim industry. This award recognizes an exceptional educator whose energy, expertise, and heart are creating lasting change in the lives of their students and their community.

This prestigious award honors a currently active instructor with a minimum of five years of hands-on teaching experience—someone who consistently goes above and beyond. Whether they’re inspiring young swimmers, mentoring fellow instructors, or championing water safety, they embody the highest standards of excellence in every class they teach. Their impact reaches far beyond the pool, seen in the confidence, joy, and safety they instill in every swimmer they touch.

Nominees are submitted by their peers and carefully selected by the USSSA Board of Directors for their outstanding teaching, creativity, and unwavering commitment to the mission of saving lives through swim education.

The Rising Star Award celebrates individuals who have entered the swim school industry within the past five years and made an immediate, positive impact. These emerging leaders stand out for their rapid growth, fresh ideas, and dedication to excellence. Honorees bring energy, innovation, and a strong commitment to water safety. They lead by example—whether by developing new programs, building strong teams, engaging with their communities, or contributing to USSSA events and professional development.

Nominated by their peers and selected by the USSSA Board of Directors, Rising Star recipients represent the next generation of industry leaders—shaping the future of swim education with passion, purpose, and momentum.

Building and Strengthening Relationships –
Kaila Mielke, Wisconsin Swim Academy
Jacquie Ferneau, Deep Blue Swim School
Krissy Bartlett, SwimKids Swim School
Crystal Petrovich, British Swim School

Life Long Learner –
Miguel Cervantes, Academy Swim Club
Shannon Schafer, Inclusion Sports
Terence O’Malley, AnT Swim School
Trish Miller, SwemSchool

Professionalism –
Svetlana Minakoff, British Swim School
Lori Klatt, America Kids Swim School
Carrie DeMont, DeMont Family Swim School
Sarah Burke, British Swim School

Safety First and Always –
Tammy Anderson, Aqua Pros Swim School
Paulana Lamonier, Black People Will Swim
Shiloh Hurst, Vista Swim Academy