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On April 3, 2005 Bob Murdoch, National Chairman for Tartan Day, presented
the Tartan Day Award for 2005 to Ethyl Kennedy Ray at her home in
Barrington, Illinois. The Award which is sponsored by the Scottish
Coalition was designed by Denis Mann at North Lands Creative Glass located
in Lybster, Caithness, which is known throughout the world for it unique
work with glass as an art form.
Mrs. Ray was
chosen as recipient by the award committee of the Coalition. Predating
the formation of Tartan Day and continuing up to the present Mrs. Ray has
championed the strengthening the relationships among Scottish-Americans
and those Scottish traditions all Scots hold dear to their hearts.
Whether it was her involvement with individuals or groups in the states,
or in dealing directly with friends in Scotland, Mrs. Ray has been a true
ambassador in strengthening these ties. Her leadership as Publisher and
Editor of the magazine the Highlander, together with her late husband
Angus, has helped to commemorate the countless contributions that Scots
and Scottish-Americans have made throughout the world.
Mrs. Ray has been
a long time benefactor and friend of the Illinois St. Andrews Society's
Scottish Home in North Riverside. It was only fitting that Gus Noble, the
President of the Scottish Home and his assistant Apryl Niksch were
involved in the planning of the award ceremony and were present for the
presentation. Gus supplied the transportation to Mrs. Ray's home from the
Scottish Home. The Award was presented to Mrs. Ray in the living room of
her home and the Award itself, a beautiful curved piece of blue glass,
that had an inscription and a map of Scotland engraved on it, was placed
on her mantle. Mrs. Ray was very gracious in her acceptance of the Award.
Prior to leaving her home Mrs. Ray served a very nice lunch which gave
everyone a chance to discuss many things Scottish.
The help of Gus
Noble and Apryl was very much appreciated in the award presentation. The
Scottish Coalition is very proud to follow its formation of Tartan Day
with its annual award to person such as Ethyl Kennedy Ray, who so much and
for so long has espoused the contributions and traditions of Scots and
Scottish-Americans. |
