Dave Roethel Member Achievement Award
The David Roethel Member Achievement Award was donated in 1963 when he, as Regional Executive, felt that there should be recognition of members of the region (not officers or committee chairpersons), who gave unstintingly of their time and effort in contribution to the many activities sponsored by the region. This award contains the names of individuals who are some of the "unsung heroes" of the region. They have worked behind the scenes in many different capacities, frequently without recognition, to see that the programs have succeeded.
One of the critical areas of club growth is to lower the barriers to entry for women. WDCR HPDE Women on Track Scholarship program, founded by Alpex International, LLC, is one such opportunity. The program awarded 11 entries into the HPDE events last year (one for each event held at Summit Point and Dominion) and looks to at least duplicate that effort in 2025. Every such effort requires a champion who does the hard work to make things happen. The region is proud to recognize Natalie Haizlip with the David Roethel award for her work with the women on track program and her enthusiasm for the sport and our region.
Most Valuable Player Award
The Most Valuable Player "MVP" is awarded to the individual who has rendered outstanding service to the Region while acting in an official capacity. In essence, this award is intended to recognize an individual who is ineligible for the Member Achievement award. The donor of this award hoped that this "award would fill the void that exists for those hard-working individuals who are always there, who continually serve at an outstanding level, and whose only recognition is an occasional ‘Thank you’ if we think of it."
This leader jumped into the region autocross program with both feet. He made a significant and successful effort to bring in new venues for autocross. His programs were well attended and he lead the only region program to exceed goals to fund region overhead. He worked hard to bring in bring autocross back to the region wide banquet. I am proud to recognize the 2024 region most valuable player, Ryan St. Louis.
Public Relations Award
The Public Relations Award is presented annually to a person, ‘normally a driver’, who has, in the opinion of the Board of Directors has done the most to promote the Region’s activities.
This award winner is no stranger to road racers. She is there at every region road race, independent of rain, snow, or sweltering summer. She has been a key figure on Grid for Super Tour, Marrs, and this year she took the reins and was Chief at the Runoffs. Usually this is done by 2 individuals, but due to unforeseen circumstances, she did it on her own and did a fantastic job. Everywhere she goes, she is a great emissary for the Washington DC Region. The 2024 Public Relations Award winner is Shirley Thompson.