2024 Kimmie Award Winner: Daniel “Danny” C. Cohen

Our 2024 Kimmie Award Winner was the beloved Danny Cohen. Danny has served the ATC and been involved in every possible way. From his time as a contestant (a semifinalist!), to his time as Board Chair (two terms!), to his long-standing service as a board member (countless years), Danny has been a dedicated supporter, advocate and friend to the ATC since 2003.

2023 Kimmie Award Winner: Elizabeth Oxnard (posthumous)

Our founder and matriarch, Elizabeth Oxnard was the intended recipient of our 2023 Kimmie Award, marking our 30th anniversary - a winning achievement for such a strong-willed and focused woman, but she unfortunately passed away ahead of our 30th competition on November 27, 2022. Her dear friend, Kim Michael Polote, accepted the award on her behalf, a reminder of when she received the award from Ms. Oxnard in 2017. Elizabeth will be forever missed and cherished by the organization she worked so hard to protect. Elizabeth was the 2023 recipient of the Kimmie Award.

2022 Kimmie Award Winner: Les and Kathie Anderson

Les and Kathie Anderson have been longtime supporters of the American Traditions Vocal Collection, each taking turns as board members, fundraisers, fans, and unforgettable members of our family. They have continued to support the ATC, even as their lives have moved them away from Savannah and we are forever grateful for their friendship. Kathie and Les were the 2022 recipients of the Kimmie Award.

2021 Kimmie Award Winner: David Shenton

David Shenton has been an ATC pianist for ten years and counting. He has given his time, energy, and brought his joy to each year he’s been with us in Savannah. A brilliant musician, composer, and arranger, he has worked with the best of the best, and we are so glad to call him our friend. David was the 2021 recipient of the Kimmie Award.

2020 Kimmie Award Winner: Susan Kleine

Susan Kleine has been an ATC board member, Board Chair and a tireless supporter with her volunteerism, her can-do attitude and her abundant generosity. Susan has relocated to Florida, but she will forever be a part of our ATC family. Susan was the 2020 recipient of the Kimmie Award.

2019 Kimmie Award Winner: David Friedman

Broadway composer David Friedman is a phenomenal contributor to the canon of contemporary American song, and a friend to artists everywhere. A caring and compassionate person, he has created a program and a book following, called “The Thought Exchange.” Through this, he helps artists achieve their potential and rid themselves of the negative self-talk that plagues creatives and individuals at every level of success. David was the 2019 recipient of the Kimmie Award.

2018 Kimmie Award Winner: Kim Michael Polote

The namesake for the Kimmie Award, Kim Michael Polote is not only the first-ever honoree of this award, but the inspiration. Her tireless dedication to the ATC, her meaningful relationships with the community of Savannah, ATC audiences and our contestants each year make Ms. Polote an integral part of this organization. Beyond a kind and generous person, she is a highly talented vocalist and educator, having won the ATC in 2001 - the only Savannah native to have won the ATC. She actively advocates for music education, working with Gertsch in regional school systems, and spends her time mentoring Junior ATC singers and other young people throughout Savannah. Kim, we are so lucky to know you and live in your light. Kim Michael Polote was the 2018 recipient of the Kimmie Award.