The “Bill Sweet Member of Distinction Award” dedicated to Bill Sweet, a long-time Skål member of over 50 years, is a distinguished honor bestowed on only a handful of Skål USA members since the global organization’s founding in 1934. The award is given to a member of Skål International USA, an individual who is proudly recognized as reflective of their time and dedication to the Skål movement. Additionally, this is the first time a woman has received the award.

This year, that award was given to long-time Skålleague Valerie Davis, who has been involved with Skål Hawaii for 41 years -- even before women were allowed into the Club. Valerie first became involved with Skål Hawaii in early 1980, when her husband Rick Davis became a member, supporting all the functions and attending whenever invited. Rick was on the Board for many years holding all positions, becoming President in 1996 and was on the Board when he passed away in 2002. Valerie was a Regional Sales Manager in Hawaii in the late ’80s & ’90s for Holland America Line Cruises, and when Skål Hawaii opened up to female members she was invited to join.  

International Skål Councilor, Holly Powers, who nominated Davis for the award, says. “Valerie completely epitomizes the Skål spirit. She has always been a great representative of the Skål movement and especially Skål Hawaii. Her dedication to the organization has been extraordinary. She is truly a worthy recipient of this leadership award. Congratulations to Valerie Davis for being the first woman ever to receive the Bill Sweet Award.”

Valerie served on the Board for several years, becoming President in 2009. During this time, the National Board had their winter meeting in Hawaii and arranged presentations at several colleges and universities – and Young Skål was created in Hawaii. After that, Valerie was asked to chair a committee to set up a blueprint for the organization of Young Skål. With the aid of her committee, with members hailing from Philadelphia, LA, Little Rock, and Atlanta, this was completed in time to present at the NAASC Congress AGM in Quebec City in May 2010. She has continued to work tirelessly on all things Skål for many, many years, helping Hawaii create one of the largest Young Skål programs in the country and win Club of the Year in 2017. She is incredibly proud of the work she has done for Skål over the years and thankful for working with such outstanding Skål members in Hawaii. Many of you may recognize her, as she has attended multiple congresses over the years, including the past 12 World Congresses starting in Budapest in 2009. 2020 was course virtual, but she’s hoping to see everyone in Quebec City in December. 

Valerie would like to thank the current and past Board members who have assisted and supported her over the years. Hawaii is a small island but a big club and gets two votes at each Congress. She says it’s been her privilege to represent Hawaii to cast those votes for all those years and was extremely surprised, grateful, and overwhelmed to receive such a prestigious honor. 

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