The Solar Award
Awarded to an individual who radiates warmth, cheer, or happiness and is a comfort or joy to those around them.

Sandra Smith, RECIPIENT OF THE 2008 SOLAR AWARD

NOMINATOR'S STATEMENT
Sandra Smith has worked as a social worker in the mental health field since 1985 and has a long and impressive list of accomplishments that has directly benefited the mental health community. Along with her work in mental health Sandy has advocated for client’s rights in the area of housing and employment and has also been active with other community empowerment efforts through an active role with her church. I have never seen Sandy without a smile on her face and something cheerful to say. Her ability to reframe difficult situations and find the positive is uncanny. The Medical Director of the program says “there is no one who exudes more happiness, joy and friendliness than Sandy”. When it is just “one of those days” and you need a laugh, there is no better person to turn to than Sandy.  Moving from one end of the building to the other takes Sandy three times longer than necessary because she always has something to share with the clients and staff members she meets along the way and you can usually hear her laughter and the laughter of others who cross Sandy’s path. She is a Mega-Solar personality.

2007 The Solar Award Recipient

2006 The Solar Award Recipient

2005 The Solar Award Recipient

2004 The Solar Award Recipient