Sweet Adeline of the Year (SAY)
Every year, Virginia Coast Chorus recognizes and celebrates the contributions of one of their own chorus members (Active or Associate) by presenting the Sweet Adeline of the Year Award.
The criteria for the award is simple: A member who, over the past fiscal year, exemplifies the Core Values of Camaraderie, Dedication, Joy and Stewardship through their leadership, contributions, and/or participations, particularly recognizing those who work behind the scenes, those “unsung heroes”. This is what the SAY award is all about.
Nominations for the award are gathered from the chorus, and the SAY's from the past five (5) years meet to choose the recipient. Past SAY's are eligible for nomination, after a 5-year period.
2025 SAY Recipient
Sarah McGinnis
Virginia Coast Chorus’s 2024-2025 Sweet Adeline of the Year has made a positive
impact for and within the chorus, clearly demonstrating Joy, Camaraderie, Stewardship
and Dedication.
This year’s selectee has been described as having her very own circle of JOY that she
readily invites others into. Her positive approach to life and specifically her optimistic
outlook and passion for VCC is contagious; this wave is felt throughout the chorus.
Even when things are not going just right, she still finds a reason to smile.
Her CAMARADERIE is beyond reproach. She is sincere, and intentional in this regard.
This year’s SAY works tirelessly to make sure her communications are appropriate and
uplifting. She exudes inclusivity; everyone is welcome and part of the team. There’s that
circle of joy again! Many members have noticed how well she works with others; she
can take the lead and she can work alongside. She listens to suggestions and supports
others in their efforts for the chorus.
STEWARDSHIP. This year’s SAY examples stewardship in three areas. First to her
committed to her music, by ensuring that’s she’s ready to go on whatever repertoire is
included in the performances. Second, by taking ownership of her responsibilities, while
generously offering to help others with theirs. Finally, she is known to be a conscientious
spender, suspected of giving out of her own pocket to supply items for the chorus.
To set the bar even higher is her DEDICATION to VCC; represented by her conduct and
willingness to make herself available despite her job constraints. She’s one of the first
ones to arrive, last ones to leave and helps with risers even on her off week! She held a
pivotal role in implementing solutions for the goals of the chorus. Even if things are
difficult, she is a problem-solver and adapts and overcomes.
Within her role on Management Team, her dedication and passion for the chorus was
ever present. Not only did she ensure VCC had a place on the map within SAI for the
mission retention challenges, she also created and executed a successful membership
drive. Give her a goal, she’ll meet it, and most likely exceed it.
The SAY Committee is proud to select Sarah McGinnis as this year’s Sweet Adeline of
the Year! Congratulations!
Congratulations to the following 2025 SAY Nominees
Deb Rasnick Holly Hartman Elaine Hutchinson
Former SAY winners:
2024 - Betty Zattiero
2023- Audrey Renn-Cutchin
2022 - Cheri Danner
2021 - Jill Motcheck
2020 - Carol Buckalew
2019 - Windy Maynard
2018 - Cathy Flynn
2017 - Judy Kaplowitz
2016 - Michelle Hartman
2015 - Kathy "Flash" Naughton
2014 - Bettina McDougal, Deb Lawrence and Emily Christman
2013 - Carey Scearce
2012 - Betsy Smith
2011 - Denise Martin
2010 - Beth Brooker
2009 - Lori Shelley
2008 - Anne Wolpert
2007 - Colleen Wood
2006 - Charlotte Loadwick
2005 - Kathie Parker
2004 - Jamie Stafford
2003 - Cindy Sieloff
2002 - Debbie Meadows
2001 - Betty Mausolf
2000 - Ann Wilkinson & Betty Buss
1999 - Jackie Hall
1998 - Cheri Danner
1997 - Pat Koscher
1996 - Rose Adell Vosler
1995 - Virginia Sivils
1994 - Cathy Allen
1993 - Susan Huff
1992 - Emily Palmer
1991 - Fran Klara
