“In Pioneer America the Trailblazer was the one who scouted new terrain, assessed its possibilities, and left his mark as a path for others to follow.''  (Kay Hudec, 1983)

The Trailblazer Award was instituted in February, 1984; for outstanding leadership and service to the Guild and the art of quilting. The award is given at the discretion of the Board and nominations from the membership may be presented to the Board for consideration. The award is not necessarily an annual award but is appropriately given as our highest award.

Winners of the Trailblazer Award are:

1984 - Donna Mikesch and Glennis Nokes
In recognition of their trailblazing spirit and outstanding leadership as chairmen for "Celebration of Quilts," April 30, 1983.

1985 - Mary Vandenbrook
For her creation of the Junior Quilters and establishment of KAQG as a legal non-profit corporation during 1984.

1986 - Kay Hudec
Founded Texas Heritage Quilt Society in 1984.  Kay was the first president of this Society.

1987- Phoebe Gregory
Began the Guild's "Block of the Month" Workshops which have been so popular and have encouraged so many to complete quilt blocks of many different types.

1997 - Linda Aspinall
Designed and organized the IQA raffle quilt, “Stained Glass Stars,” the first IQA raffle quilt to be pieced by a group.

2006 – Jackie Runyon
As the original committee chair of “Kwilts for Kids” in 1993, she researched and found several of the organizations in the Houston area to donate the quilts to in addition to the Ronald McDonald House.  She enlisted members to cut, iron, sew, and baste 250 quilts that year.  Kwilts for Kids has been going strong ever since.