Lion Ray Krusinski – Darien Lions

Awarded the “International President’s Medal” for Leadership Excellence

District 1J Convention
April 23, 2005

Every year, the President of Lions Clubs International solicits District Governors for the names of individuals who excel in one of six areas: Membership Development, Educational Programs, Retention, Leadership, Organizational Development and Welfare (MERLOW). Each district governor, based on his/her observations of the work of individual and Cabinet Members within his jurisdiction, can nominate individuals for the International President’s Medal, the second highest award presented in Lionism (the “Ambassador Award” is number one). The district governor, if finding a candidate worthy, completes a lengthy nomination document and submits it to the International President in October. All nominations are then evaluated by the International President’s office, and 400 candidates are selected based on the worthiness of their contributions in one of these six areas. If one considers that there are over 1.6 million Lions in the world, this award is given to one out of 40,000 Lions each year.

At the District 1J Convention held at The Abbey in Lake Geneva, our Lion Ray Krusinski was awarded the International President’s Medal for Excellence in Leadership for his contribution and work in developing the “Night-Walk” concept. The District 1J Cabinet, the State Council of Governors and the International President and his cabinet believe this program will significantly impact Lionism, not just in Illinois, but also across the United States. Lion Ray was presented his award by Past International President Lion Bill Biggs and District 1J Governor Lion John Landon.

Lion Ray is to be commended for his work on this project and for all the contributions he makes to our Club. His award and his effort are examples of the type of leadership found in District 1J and, more specifically, the Darien Lions Club.

Congratulations to Lion Ray, and our thanks for his work!