Are awards important?
And to whom?

        Since Ronn Lucas first won the El Paso City Parks and Recreation Summer Talent Show at the tender age of 12, he has received or won more than 90 awards in his 45 year life-span. He has been honored by the many charities he's served, as well as the stages and cabarets he loves. The mayor of San Francisco once declared a 'Ronn Lucas Day'; and his own home town of El Paso has given him the 'keys to the city' (although the keys were a disappointment because they didn't really open anything).
        Professionally, Ronn's been awarded a Northern California Regional Emmy for his Public Service announcement concerning homeless teenagers, and was nominated eight years ago for a Guest Emmy over his fine performance as a mildly disturbed ventriloquist on 'L.A. Law'.
        Of all the wonderful awards, trophies, and accolades that Ronn has received, only one stands out for Ronn because of its personal meaning. It is a simple, elegant plaque that was given to him by other ventriloquists in recognition for his creativity and originality in the field of ventriloquism. This award is NOT an annual event. It fact it is rarely given. Ronn's peers clearly saw that he was trying (and succeeding) in altering not only the way ventriloquism was being precisely and technically performed, but changing the current public perception of the artform by elevating it to the level of legitimate theater.
        The following is a picture of the only award that Ronn allows to hang in his office. It is a reminder for Ronn that there is still even more creativity that he could be exploring...

THE DEAN SHORT AWARD
FOR ORIGINALITY AND INNOVATION
IN VENTRILOQUISM

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