| THE 2003 MAY MC EWAN MEMORIAL AWARD |
| Past Recipients 2002 - Penny DeMeules 2001 - Holly Kyle, Ca. 2000 - Laura Soles, Va. 1999 - Barbara Browne, Ca. 1998 - Mary Kay Adams, Ma. 1997 - Fred Wing, Me. 1996 - Scotti Nichols, Mi. 1995 - Jeanne Ulrich, DC 1994 - Sherry Weinberg, Wa. 1993 - Elizabeth Knowles, Va. 1992 - Sue Bessette, NY 1991 - Nanette Zack, Wi. 1990 - Jeanne Struck, Az. 1989 - Sue Dmytryszyn, Mo. 1988 - Margaret Forbes, Tx. 1987 - Jane Katz, NY 1986 - Linda Lash, Oh. 1985 - Eleanor East, Fl. 1984 - Marian Kretschmer, Oh. 1983 - Barbara McNamee, Va. 1982 - Barbara Eaton, Va. 1981 - Louise Wing, Me. 1980 - Peg Hogan, Va. 1979 - Nancy Weiman, DC |
| The May McEwan Award is given each year to an Outstanding Masters Athlete, nominated by her teammates and elected by her peers. "2-4-6-8. Who do we appreciate? MIRIAM...MIRIAM...MIRIAM...and more MIRIAM, our 84 year old senior-most swimmer with the Southern California Unsyncables Masters Synchronized Swimming Team. No "Queen of Mean," she is quite the opposite...our "Queen of Compatibility, Consideration, Optimism, Diplomacy, Humility, Good Sportsmanship, and over-all general Good Will." Never heard to complain (no matter how cold, tired, or frustrated she might be), or to demean another teammate or competitor (no matter how deserving.) She is truly our "Queen of Team" who we can always count on to be there for us. She makes it to every practice, show, and meet (missing only on Election Days when she is supervising her local polling place). Devoted, quietly determined, and extremely hard working. Miriam has competed successfully with the Unsyncables since the very beginning of the team. She was in the first group of 5 who started back in 1983, some 20 odd years ago. Growing up in Pasadena, Miriam fell in love with the water early on. She competed in speed swimming as a teenager with the Pasadena Athletic club, with much success. Later she worked as a registered Life Guard and Swim Instructor for the local YWCA. working with young people right on into her adult life arfter raising 4 children. |
| Interrupted by World War II, she enlisted in the Women's Branch of our Military Service, becoming a WAVE. Her chief function was to supervise the USO parties, dances, refreshments and entertainment for our boys away from home. A graduate of UCLA, Miriam has always been multi-talented and giving of herself. Besides swimming, she also excels in gardening, sewing, cooking, "turtle raising," plus she makes our team swim caps and decorates swim suits. We depend on her to increase our "artistic" scores at competition. Miriam has been featured in two award winning documentary films including one directed by her own grand-daughter Victoria. A project of the U.S.C. Film School, the film is titled "Unsyncable at Any Age." and has been submitted for Festival consideration. Miriam has been featured in various news articles and T.V programs including the Los Angeles Times, Pasadena Star News, MTV's Vinyl Justice program, and ABC television news among others. Swimming three times a week, rain or shine, Miriam has become what her coach describes as one of the most fit members of the team. Married to her High School sweetheart (who travels faithfully with her to Synchro Meets all over the world), she enjoys her 4 children and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. She sets a great example for them all. For these and many other reasons, we joyfully nominate Miriam as our outstanding candidate for the coveted May McEwan award. We feel she epitomizes the true spirit of Masters Synchronized Swimming. in every way possible, with her dedication, long term loyalty, perseverance, her "never give up" attitude and outstanding swimming abilities over an entire lifetime. Having learned "Synchro" at the tender age of 60 plus years, now, at age 84, she has become a "Master's Master" with a collection of medals galore, including many Gold, which she modestly will not tell you about, unless you ask. Miriam is, indeed, a swimmer's swimmer and a friend to all. She has always made us proud!!! Submitted by teammate Beverly - nominated by the entire team. . |
| Masters Titles include: 2000 World Masters Solo Champion in the 80-89 category 2002 U.S. Masters Solo Champion in the 80-89 cateory. 2003 U.S. Masters Duet Champion, in the 80-89 category. She has won gold medals in Team and Trio as well. |
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