The 2023 Tina Leonard Award was presented to Grace Ericson, shown here with Tina's son and daughter, Joe Leonard and Daci Shenfield. Essays were submitted to the selection committee with the submitters identity hidden in order to impartially focus on each essay. Grace's essay showed how a series of life events tragically impacted her in a very personal and stressful way. The selection committee - which included four members of Tina's family, felt that Grace's story personified what the Award stands for. Yet at the same time, Grace learned the skills, drive and determination to pursue a path forward for success and to help others.
