Louis Racic
Louis Racic and his wife, Joanne, began Scottish country dancing in 1991, joining the Toronto branch and beginning classes after being assured you didn’t need to be Scottish, “just a wee bit crazy.” It was love at first sight and, by their second year, they participated in a demonstration team.
Louis joined the branch executive as Tartan Ball convenor, and instituted the practice of opening the Ball with a grand march.
He moved on to serve as newsletter editor, organized a demonstration of SCD at the University of Toronto, and instituted a class there for younger dancers.
After a job and family‐related break, he returned, again as Tartan Ball convenor, working to emphasize the glamour and formality of the Ball and redesigning the Ball booklet. Each year, Louis worked to find a special guest of honour, including actor Colin Mochrie, author Ken McGoogan, businessman and philanthropist Michael Macmillan, and Lieutenant Governor David Onley, and persuaded the guests of honour to learn one or two dances. He created posters featuring guests of honour and Scroll of Honour awardees to display at the Ball, organized a contest to devise a special dance for the 50th Ball, and organized a display representing each decade of the branch.
Louis returned to the executive in 2015 as program director and then vice‐chair and chair. As vice‐chair, he worked to develop a strategic plan and pressed for financial support of teacher training and core events. As chair, Louis led the branch through the pandemic, continuing administrative work and helping to devise ways of remaining connected to dancing and the branch. When dancing resumed, he ensured that safety protocols were in place.
His record of service makes him a fine candidate for the Branch Award.
Cheryl Catt
Since becoming a member of the Toronto Association in 2008, Cheryl has been totally immersed in the world of Scottish country dancing.
She has been serving as a class rep for beginner classes for over a decade, managing registration duties and attendance records
with dedication and efficiency. Cheryl goes above and beyond expectations by maintaining regular contact with all participants,
sending follow‐up emails after each class containing links to the dances taught in the previous session. She encourages the dancers to come to association events and, in close co‐operation with the class teacher, she assists in preparing dancers for monthly dances, to ensure that all will have a positive and enjoyable experience.
Cheryl is a loyal supporter of all Association activities. Her dedication to dance extends beyond the local scene, as she travels to workshops and events in the UK and across North America. Cheryl has been an active participant in many social groups, and within the Glenview group she has served on the programme committee, introducing many new dances learned on her travels, into the weekly programme.
Her unwavering support for the Association in all its activities exemplifies her commitment and passion for the advancement of
Scottish Country Dance.
