Skip to Content

The Weekly News Source for Wyoming's Ranchers, Farmers and AgriBusiness Community

Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts recognizes members, partners for work

by Wyoming Livestock Roundup

Evanston – On Nov. 15, the Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts (WACD) hosted their annual awards ceremony, recognizing numerous individuals for their contributions to the association and individual conservation districts. 

After recognizing Dan Dockstader as Outstanding News Reporter, Liz Withers-Thoman as Teacher of the Year, Mike and Priscilla Sims as Outstanding Small Acreage Cooperator, John Heyneman as Outstanding Cooperator, Allison McKenzie as Outstanding Conservationist, Randall Wendling as Outstanding Elected Official, Mary Jones as Outstanding Technician, Zach Byram as Outstanding Employee and Todd Heward as Outstanding Supervisor, WACD President Shaun Sims took a few moments to recognize a very special contributor to WACD with the Presidential Award.

Sims commented, “This is my last convention serving in the capacity of president of WACD, which means it’s also my last opportunity to recognize an individual or an entity with the President’s Award.” 

In the past seven years, Sims has recognized Wayne Garman and Curtis Grandstaff, Dennis Thaler, Randy Wiggins, Cathy Rosenthal, Bob and Joe Budd, Jack and Diana Berger and Lindsay Patterson. 

“Each year, I get back to look back on the year and contemplate who it is that has stood out,” Sims said. “This year is a little different. I wanted to look back not on just the past year but my last eight years of service and award this recognition to someone who has been integral to my success, my ability to serve and subsequently a service to this organization.”

Sims continued, “It goes without saying that one individual stands clearly out in their contribution over the last eight years to me and WACD. It is not often that we all get an opportunity to thank our most important partner for their role in our success, but today, I am grateful and so very pleased to recognize, my wife, Lacee Sims, with the 2018 WACD Presidential Award.”

Since he has served as WACD president, Lacee has booked airplane tickets, travelled numerous miles, filled out vouchers, attended meetings and graciously served as a photographer for WACD events, in general helping everywhere she visits. 

“Most importantly,” Sims commented, “she knocked me upside the head when I needed it.”

“I cannot even begin to list all of what she has done for me and WACD,” Sims commented. “Lacee, thank you.” 

Learn more about individual award winners in the photo spread below, where Shaun Sims and Stacia Berry are pictured presenting awards. 

Saige Albert, managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup, compiled the information in this article from WACD’s awards program. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.  

Back to top