2022 President’s Medal was presented by President Kyla Ross to…

Rachel Hopp

The President’s Medal is an award given by the current HAPS President to a HAPS member who demonstrates exemplary service to the organization. 
 
If you have taken time to read my President’s e-blasts, then you know that I love to start with a good quote – a motivational phrase. This time, I have two that come to mind when trying to capture what this person has meant to HAPS, the HAPS members that they work closely with, and to me personally through these years:
 
“Efforts and courage are not enough without purpose and direction” 
– John F. Kennedy
 
These words resonate with me when I think of this individual and all that they do. This person has served in leadership in HAPS for many years, having served as a dedicated member, committee chair, and Board member. I have had the great honor of working closely with this individual and I have been in awe of their ability to do all the things, and seemingly with such ease – and during a pandemic. When you ask them, “how do you do it?” their response is always, I just have the most amazing people around me. 
 
My response is – Yes AND….there is something so amazing about YOU! This person is always celebrating the achievements of and advocating for others. Our HAPS mission is to promote excellence in the teaching of anatomy and physiology, and this individual exemplifies this everyday in everything that they do. If any of you take a moment to think about how HAPS programming has reached you this year, there is no doubt in my mind that it has touched this individual and their team in some way. 
 
This year’s President’s Medal goes to an individual who has gone above and beyond in service to HAPS. Today, it is time to celebrate the leader who has the courage, focus, and drive to always advocate for the advancement of HAPS. I am so honored to present this year’s President’s medal to Rachel Hopp.