The Dallas Historical Society will host its 38th annual Awards for Excellence luncheon. The event honors those who make significant contributions to Dallas’ quality of life, providing innovation, guidance and support.

2019 Recipients include:

• Arts Leadership: Joan Davidow, supporter of local non-profit art institutions and artists
• Creative Arts: Mary Vernon, artist with more than 50 years as an instructor in the arts
• Education: Michelle Kinder, leader in outstanding programming supporting the social/emotional health of children
• Health/Sciences: Baylor Scott & White Health Uterine Transplant Team, pioneers in successfully transplanting a uterus, thus giving thousands of women hope to bear children
• History: Frances James, preservationist and chronicler of Dallas’ historic cemeteries
• Humanities: Jubilee Park and Community Center, committed to creating a safe, secure, vital neighborhood in the Southeast Dallas community
• Philanthropy: Ernie Michael Fernandez, M.D., bettering the lives of children with diabetes through his work with Camp Sweeney
• Sports Leadership: Norm Hitzges, legendary sports journalism broadcaster and author
• Volunteer Leadership: Peggy Oglesby Allison, longstanding community volunteer and change agent

The 2019 Jubilee History Maker Award will be presented to John McCaa. For more than 30 years, McCaa has been a fixture in Dallas journalism, bringing a steady and reliable voice to many of Dallas’ historic events. He will be honored for his tireless pursuit of the truth through journalism.  

Alina & Ruben E. Esquivel are chairing the event and the Honorary Co-Chairs are Linda Perryman Evans and Mary Jalonick. Stewart H. Thomas will preside as Master of Ceremonies.