Earlier this year the Drupal community lost one of our most porlific community members, Aaron Winborn. In addition to the code that Aaron contributed, he was a friend to everyone he met in the Drupal community. Aaron was the epitome of our unoffical motto: "Come for the code, stay for the community." To honor Aaron's memory, the Community Working Group, with the support of the Drupal Association, established the Aaron Winborn Award, to be given annually.

The Community Working Group accepted nominations over the spring and summer, with community members nominating dozens of their colleagues who represent the integrity, kindness and commitment to the Drupal community that Aaron did. From these nominations, the Community Working Group members and Hans Riemenschneider (who originated the idea) selected our innaugural winner: Cathy Theys

It's hard to imagine that there is anyone in the community who has not crossed paths with Cathy. She has been a champion for new contributors for as long as I have been part of Drupal, hosting office hours in IRC and helping to coordinate mentors at every DrupalCon sprint and beyond. She has personally sat by my side and used the socratic method to talk me through Git commands. She is a model of generosity and curiosity, and is a tremendous asset to the Drupal Community.

Cathy's reward is a scholarship and stipend to attend DrupalCon next year, as well as a very lovely Drupal trophy. We got the the chance to celebrate Cathy's award on stage at DrupalCon Barcelona, but I hope you will join me in congratulating her again now.