<p>AKDA Awards:</p><p>Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year</p><p>The purpose of the RYDY program is to recognize the competence and activities of younger dietitians in the American Dietetic Association and to encourage their continued participation in Association affairs. This group will be an additional resource from which the leadership of The Association will develop both at the district, state, and national levels. </p><p>Criteria for selection: Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year 1. Member of the American Dietetic Association. 2. Age limit as of April 1 deadline, is 35 years or younger. 3. Active participation in the national, state, or district association. 4. Not previously selected as an RYDY 5. Demonstrated concern for the promotion of optimal health and nutritional status of the population. 6. Demonstrated leadership, e.g., in legislation, research, education, management, etc., either in the Association or employment. </p><p>Past Alaska awardees include: Tiffany Ricci (2011), Jane Leblond (2010), Lisa Lopez (2009), Kelly Keyes (2008), Joy Huber (2007), Janelle Gomez (2006), Carrie King (2005)</p><p>Emerging Dietetic Leader </p><p>The purpose of the Emerging Dietetic Leader Award is to recognize the competence and activities of dietitians regardless of their age, who have made distinctive contributions early in their dietetics careers to the American Dietetic Association. The award encourages their continued participation in Association affairs. This more mature/older group will be an additional resource from which the leadership of the Association will develop at the district, state, and national levels. </p><p>Criteria for selection: Emerging Dietetic Leader 1. Member of the American Dietetic Association. 2. Initial practice experience not less than 5 years and not greater than 10 years. Interrupted careers or time periods not in practice, are not to be considered or rationed into the 5-10 years of professional practice experience. 3. Active participation in the national, state, or district association for at least 5 years. 4. Not previously selected as RYDY or RDTY. 5. Demonstrated concern for the promotion of optimal health and nutritional status of the population. 6. Demonstrated leadership, e.g., in legislation, research, education, management, etc., in the Association, community or employment. Past Alaska awardees include: Shanna Moeder (2011), Kendra Sticka (2010), Lisa Fenn (2009), Erin Manley (2008), Meera Ramesh (2006), Samantha Maloney (2005)</p><p>Outstanding Dietitian of the Year The Outstanding Dietitian Award is the top honor presented to a member within the Alaska Dietetic Association. </p><p>Criteria for selection: Outstanding Dietitian of the Year 1. Nominated by an AKDA member with a letter (2 pages maximum). 2. Must be a member in good standing of the ADA and AKDA. 3. Licensed in Alaska, if applicable. 4. Member should have made a significant impact to the profession of dietetics in Alaska. </p><p>Past Alaska awardees include: Kendra Sticka (2011), Heather Preece (2010), Carrie King (2009), Margaret Duggan (2008), Samantha Maloney (2007), Alison Hull (2006), Wendy Christianson</p>