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Edina Recreation Supervisor wins prestigious award

Edina, Minn., Oct. 8, 2009 – Edina Recreation Supervisor Donna Tilsner was recently presented the Women in Leisure Services (WILS) Helen I. Pontius National Award of Merit. The award is presented each year in honor of Helen I. Pontius, the founder of WILS, and is given to a member who has made outstanding contributions to the field of leisure services.

WILS oversees four chapters nationwide. Each chapter is allowed to submit one nomination for the award annually. The nominee must meet several qualifications including authoring articles related to WILS, serving as a national officer and serving as a professional in the leisure services field for a minimum of 15 years.

Tilsner has worked as a park and recreation professional for 34 years and has been a member of WILS for the last 25. She has served as a national delegate and president of the Minnesota chapter and currently holds the office of WILS national Vice President.

“Donna maintains a positive can-do attitude toward her work and among her co-workers, even during our most challenging times,” said Tilsner’s supervisor, Park & Recreation Director John Keprios. “She is a role model for others to emulate. She is a joy to be around.”

Tilsner accepted her award at the WILS national luncheon in California on Sept. 15 and was recognized by the Edina City Council for her outstanding work on Oct. 6.

For more information, visit www.EdinaParks.com or call the Edina Park & Recreation Department at 952-826-0367.