DONNA JEAN MOONEY MEMORIAL AWARD

OFFICIATING CHRONOLOGY:

1970 –Joined the Rochester-Monroe County Chapter of the New York State

Certified Swimming Officials (one of 25 new members)

1976-1977 – Secretary for the Girls’ Season (1 yr.)
1977-1981 – Secretary (4 yrs.)
1981-1983 – Second Vice President (2 yrs.)
1983-1987 – President (4yrs.)
1987-2005 – Past President (19 yrs.)
30 years on Executive Committee/36 years an official

Donna Jean Mooney was a wife, a mother, a teacher, and a swimming official. In October 2005 she suddenly passed away leaving a legacy of devotion to the sport of swimming which we, the Rochester-Monroe County Swimming Officials, hope to maintain by keeping her memory alive through the Donna Jean Mooney Memorial Award.

By the end of her first five years as an official Donna had achieved the rating of “referee” in a time when most women were content to remain at the level of judge. She was a teacher and used her teaching skills to help her fellow officials improve their own techniques. As Second Vice President she was put in charge of implementing and supervising and effective rating system for the advancement of officials. Donna helped with training sessions for not only new officials but also for the seasoned veterans. Her extraordinary guidance came naturally. She had a knack for knowing what a person needed. Donna had a positive spirit and her optimism seemed to rub off on the people around her.

Donna was highly respected by her colleagues. It was more than her many years of experience and meticulous, professional attitude that earned her such admiration. Donna’s endless passion for the sport was reflected in everything she did. Donna loved swimming and the swimmers. Her husband says, “When she put on her uniform, she glowed with happiness.” Officiating was her outlet and she felt that being with the kids kept her young. Donna was always a pleasure to work with. She made everyone feel like an essential part of the team. No matter how hectic and hot a swim meet was, Donna always kept her cool. The award given in her name reflects her spirit, longevity and dedication to the sport of swimming.

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Deadline: Postmarked or E-mailed by January 25, 2009 (no late applications accepted)

Mail or E-mail: The completed application along with the essay should be sent to:

Cindy McFadden
4276 Lake Avenue
Rochester, New York 14612
585-615-2420
cynthia7000@yahoo.com