Voorschoten Awards Nominees Announced
The nominees in the Culture, Sports, and Volunteer categories of the Voorschoten Awards were announced today. The expert jury, consisting of Hans van der Elst (Alderman for Culture), Hubert Schokker (Alderman for Sports), Femke Hameetman (Director of the Dordrechts Museum), Hans Douw (sports columnist), and Yvonne van Balen (Director of the Voorschoten voor Elkaar welfare organization), selected the lucky nominees earlier this summer from among 100 submissions.
Below are the nominees by category, along with a selection of the various reasons given for their nominations.
Category: Culture
Maria Rosenmöller
“All of Maria Rosenmöller’s musical endeavors—and there are many—are carried out in a truly inspiring and motivating way. She is a driving force in the field of music for people of all ages throughout Voorschoten.”
Young Professionals Jazz Stage
“This team is dedicated to engaging young people in the music world by giving them the opportunity to perform, which helps them gain experience. Because what they do is unique, they’ve put Voorschoten on the map.”
Polien van der Krogt
“She has been a performing member of the Laurentius Music Association for 60 years. And she’s not just a performing member—over the years, Polien has been very active in all sorts of other roles and activities within the club.”
Category: Sports
Adri Hendriks
“For decades, he has been the backbone of the ice skating club. As the club’s ice master, he ensures that we can skate for as long and as well as possible when it’s cold, and he also manages to mobilize a large group of volunteers.”
Ed Zijl
“At 77 years old, Ed has been dedicating himself heart and soul to the track and field division of Voorschoten ’97 for years. Every Tuesday, Thursday, and on the weekends, Ed leads training sessions on the track, in the neighborhood, in the dunes, or on the beach. Without Ed, the track and field club wouldn’t be so vibrant.”
Jolanda Zonneveld
“Jolanda has been active as a coach at the Avanti gymnastics club for more than 40 years. She started out as a gymnastics instructor, but dance is her true passion. Many residents of Voorschot have had her as their teacher. She starts her Wednesday with the 4-year-olds and ends the day in the evening with A20+ competition training. This group ranks among the best in the Netherlands.”
Category: Volunteers
Leontien Wisman
“She’salways energetic, enthusiastic, and friendly in herdedication to the hockey club. She’s served on the board for years, organized all the parties and events, and has been the driving force behind the organization. She’s always there for everyone. She always handles all the arrangements with the city and other boards. She’s committed to everyone!”
Simone van der Cingel
“Simone selflessly dedicates herself to helping less fortunate people in Voorschoten and the surrounding area by putting together St. Nicholas and birthday gift boxes so that no child has to go without a gift on their birthday or during the St. Nicholas celebrations.”
Voorschoten Volunteer Fire Department
“An enthusiastic group of volunteers who plan their entire personal lives around the fire department every day. Unwavering dedication to the Voorschoten Fire Department. Think: always available, empowering people, standing up for the interests of the citizens of Voorschoten, and ensuring they receive the best possible assistance.”
Awards Ceremony
The very first Voorschoten Awards ceremony will take place on Friday evening, September 8, starting at 7:30 p.m. The winners will be announced during this special event at the Kruispuntkerk. A youth award will also be presented that evening. Residents are warmly invited to attend the event. Those interested can register at voorschotenawards@voorschoten.nl. However, the number of available seats is limited, so be sure to sign up quickly!
Click here for more information about the Voorschoten Awards.