Awards
Nominations can be made by either ABVMA members or ABVTA members. Nominees must be members in good standing. Closing date for awards are September and selection is made by the ABVTA Board by the end of each November.
The recipients will be notified with an invitation to attend the Members Recognition Banquet in February for presentation.
Nominations for 2024 awards open July 2, 2024 and close on September 13, 2024.
Click here to view the nomination page.
Click on the recipients name to read the award presentation
ABVTA Meritorious Service Award Criteria and Recipients
This award is presented every year to an ABVTA or ABVMA member(s) who has demonstrated outstanding service to the ABVTA by promoting the role of the veterinary technologist within the profession, and to the public and/or the veterinary industry.
Criteria:
- Displays excellence in all aspects of their field
- Conducts themselves in a professional manner
- Displays dedication to the humane treatment of animals
- Has contributed to by participating with the ABVTA Board, Committee(s) or activity of the ABVTA
Past Recipients:
- 2014: Dr. Jayne Takahashi
- 2015: Ms. Nichole Boutilier, RVT
- 2016: Ms. Connie Varnhagen, RVT
- 2017: Ms. Penny Steffen, RVT
- 2018: Ms. Karen Melnyk, RVT
- 2019: Ms. Katherine Simon, RVT, VTS (ECC)
- 2020: Drs. Lisa Lomsnes & Colleen Pratt
- 2021: Ms. Amanda Albrecht, RVT, VTS (Equine Internal Medicine)
- 2022: Treena Barnett-Ritcey, RVT
- 2023: Brianne Bellwood, RVT, VTS (Clinical Pathology), & Kelsey Gray, RVT
![](https://www.abvta.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ABVMA-3163-240x300.jpg)
ABVTA Meritorious Service Award Recipient Brianne Bellwood, RVT, VTS (Clinical Pathology) February 2024
![](https://www.abvta.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ABVMA-3172-240x300.jpg)
ABVTA Meritorious Service Award Recipient Kelsey Gray, RVT (left), February 2024
ABVTA Appreciation Award Criteria and Recipients
This award is presented to an ABVTA member in who has made significant contributions to the ABVTA through projects and activities while volunteering as a board member, affiliated position or as a committee member.
Criteria:
- Actively served on an ABVTA committee, as an affiliated position, or on the Board of Directors for at least two years.
- Promotes and contributes to the profession of veterinary technology through conduct at work or in public situations.
- Promotes and enhances the image of the ABVTA.
Past Award Recipients:
- 2014: Ms. Sophia David, RVT
- 2015: Ms. Andrea Edwards, RVT
- 2016: Ms. Brigitta Smith, RVT
- 2017: Ms. Vanessa George, RVT
- 2018: Ms. Tracey Ruzicka, RVT
- 2019: Ms. Amanda Barker, RVT
- 2020: Ms. Fiona Kowalczyk, RVT & Ms. Kate Simon, RVT, VTS (ECC)
- 2021: Ms. Danielle Harris, RVT
- 2022: Penny Steffen, RVT,
- 2023: Courtney Ziegler, RVT
![](https://www.abvta.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ABVMA-3162-300x200.jpg)
ABVTA Appreciation Award Recipient Courtney Ziegler, RVT (right) February 2024
The Lucille Landals Emerging Leader Award and Recipients
This award is named after Ms. Lucille Landals, RVT, a lifelong member of the Alberta Veterinary Technologist Association and distinguishable leader in the advancement of veterinary technologists in Alberta. This award is presented to a new member of the ABVTA who makes outstanding contributions to the Association and our professional veterinary community.
Criteria:
- Supports the ABVTA’s mission by advancing the profession while providing compassionate veterinary care
- Demonstrates sustained leadership and initiative
- Must be within the first five (5) years of membership (post-graduation) with the ABVTA
Past Award Recipients:
- 2017: Ms. Penny Isaak, RVT
- 2018: Ms. Heather McGrath, RVT
- 2019: Ms. Brittany Baldock, RVT
- 2020: Ms. Sydney Frost, RVT
- 2021: Ms. Alexia Scheutz, RVT
- 2022: Gabrielle Namchuk, RVT
- 2023: Candace Olive, RVT
![](https://www.abvta.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/ABVMA2023-5164_RESIZE-200x300.jpg)
ABVTA Emerging Leader Award Recipient Gabrielle Namchuk, RVT February 2023
The ABVTA Technologist of the Year Award
This award is presented to a registered member of the ABVTA who has made significant contributions to the veterinary profession. Candidates lead by example through the Association’s core values including; approachability, integrity, professionalism and teamwork while providing compassionate veterinary care.
Criteria:
- Supports and engages a cohesive team environment
- Demonstrates a high standard of animal welfare and the humane treatment to animals
Past Award Recipients:
- 2021: Ms. Leilani Mustillo, RVT
- 2022: Jessica Beech, RVT
- 2023: Tracy Tee, RVT
![](https://www.abvta.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ABVMA-3152-240x300.jpg)
ABVTA Technologist of the Year Award Recipient Tracy Tee, RVT (left) February 2024