When recent Board President Dr. Paul F. Doerksen reached the end of his term in 2022, the TRYPO Board of Directors wished to honor him by creating an award to be presented to an outgoing senior. Having worked with TRYPO staff to lead the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Doerksen went above and beyond the call of the volunteer position and was a massive part of the reason TRYPO weathered the COVID storm.
Starting in 2023 at the TRYPO Spring concert, this award will be given annually to a TRYPO Musician or alum who embodies the skills and spirit of Dr. Doerksen. When surveyed, some of the primary descriptors that the Board of Directors used to describe the skills and spirit of Dr. Doerksen that we matched to this year’s winner included: Leader, Dedicated, Committed, Relentlessly Tenacious, Warm, Inclusive, Enthusiastic, Genuine, Kind, Helpful.
This year’s seniors are an incredible group of musicians who have overcome so much together. It was challenging to decide, and TRYPO staff and board members discussed who the right recipient for this award would be for weeks. Eventually, however, the choice became apparent, and TRYPO ultimately selected Leah Henning because each word that the Board of Directors used to describe Dr. Doerksen was also present in Leah. Additionally, her interest in pursuing music education at Ohio State University inspired the board and staff. After the presentation, Dr. Doerksen and Leah were delighted to make the connection that Ohio State was also where Dr. Doerksen had received his Doctorate of Philosophy in Music Education!
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As the Grandparents of Leah Henning we are thrilled that the TRYPO staff and board members have selected her for this prestigious award. We have watched her grow and become the person and musician she is today. She certainly embodies all the characteristics which make her most deserving of this award and we look forward to her future endeavors. Gerald and Marijane Henning
We’re lucky to have had Leah as a member and now alum! ♥️🎵♥️