Avedis Foundation has announced a call for nominations for the Michelle Briggs “We’re Here for Good” Service Award, created as an annual recognition of an individual who has provided exemplary service to the community.

The award takes its name from the Foundation’s first president and CEO, Michelle Briggs, who led Avedis from its establishment in 2012 until her retirement in 2018. “We’re Here for Good” is the Foundation’s signature statement, as Avedis supports public agencies, educational institutions, municipalities and other not-forprofit organizations within Pottawatomie County and the surrounding communities of Seminole, Meeker, Chandler, Prague and Little Axe.

“Avedis Foundation is pleased to honor the leadership and innumerable contributions of Michelle Briggs, our first president and CEO, whose dedication to our community has helped to improve our collective quality of life,” stated Dr. Kathy Laster, Avedis Foundation president and CEO.

“Our community is fortunate to have many individuals who share Michelle’s commitment to service to others,” Laster observed. “We encourage the public to submit nominations for those who exemplify service above self and a vision to improve our community,” Laster said.

Nominations for the award will be accepted online through March 15, 2025 and may be submitted by the public for consideration of any person who has given significant service to Pottawatomie County and/or the surrounding communities of Seminole, Meeker, Chandler, Prague and Little Axe.

“Consideration will be given to those nominees who have demonstrated qualities consistent with those of the Foundation’s Core Values of compassion, humility, innovation, collaboration and stewardship,” explained Avedis board chair Jill Spencer. “Other criteria for consideration include the significance of the nominee’s service, the degree to which it benefits the community, and the length of service by the nominee,” Spencer continued.

Avedis Foundation established the award in late 2021. Previous recipients are Jeff Madison (2022), Tom Terry (2023), and Suzanne Gilbert (2024).

The award, which includes a $5,000 discretionary grant to an organization that meets the Foundation’s selection criteria, will be presented May 29, 2025 during Health Week ’25.

Nomination forms and full details are accessible through March 15, 2025 on the Foundation’s website, avedisfoundation.org/nominate.