25th CALLERLAB Convention 
MILESTONE AWARD
Presented by Jerry Helt
We have a few people who have received this award and most folks know what that entails. The CALLERLAB Milestone award is the highest award CALLERLAB can bestow on an individual. The nominee is judged against a rigid criterion in five separate categories. · A nominee must meet those certain categories in all 5 categories. The primary purpose of this award is to recognize this individual, whether CALLERLAB member or not, who have made outstanding and significant contributions to the field of square dancing. Usually this is a surprise, it was a surprise to me when I received this and I am going to run down a little bit of this person’s background.
And it goes like this. The nominee has a positive attitude towards the square dance activity and encompasses leadership, guidance, support, direction, and all skills are many. His dedication, his enthusiasm is quite evident to those who have had the opportunity to work with him. A student of Lloyd Shaw, and the Lloyd Shaw Foundation and his continuing influence and balance in square dancing on the recreation values of the activity, his interest in teaching elementary school children to dance can be found in the American Heritage Dances sponsored by the Lloyd Shaw Foundation. Having been exposed to square dancing in the years before World War II, took on leadership responsibilities when he began calling professionally in 1947. Since that time he has continued to be in demand on a wide range of panels at state, local, and national dance conventions and has served on a number of major committees for CALLERLAB.
A proven authority on many forms that fit into the broad scope of square dancing. Has introduced heritage dances to contemporary square dancers for more than 30 years, has written an easy level column in the issue of American Square Dance Magazine. He has contributed many articles to local, area, and international circular magazines.
And it’s my pleasure right now to present this award to a gentleman, a dear friend, MR. ROBERT THOMAS HOWELL, and his bride, Phyllis.