My Experience at the Red Carpet
At the Staff Academy Awards, Megan Wasneechak received the "Leading Lady" award.
I couldn't believe how nervous I was as I stood next to the red carpet waiting for the 2008 OSP Staff Academy Awards to begin.
Just a few feet away, outside the conference room door, our staff team was buzzing as they tried to figure out what was going on.
As a director's team we had placed the candles, roses and even miniature little trophies in place. Breakfast was laid out and the music ready.
Acting as our bouncer, my husband Marc began letting the OSP stars in one-by-one. Eric, David, Karen and I cheered as each member of the staff team walked the red carpet and then found a place at the table.
Within a few minutes we were on to the awards…
The Award Ceremony
As David called me up to announce the Beautiful Anchor award, the laughter and cheers made it clear we were all having fun.
I took out my script and began to read…
"The Beautiful Anchor award is for a woman who shares her knowledge and experience of biblical and ministry concepts with OSP staff members to keep us grounded in the Word and help us shape the spiritual character of the students. She's also an open and welcoming person for the students and staff, she makes people feel accepted, and she's willing to take risks to encourage us to greater honesty with ourselves and God."
(Dramatic Pause)
"The nominees are Renee Zelweger, Sarah (Abraham's wife), Mother Theresa, and Betsy Harman."
(The room lit up with laughter as Karen walked across room to hand me an envelope.)
"And the winner is…"
(I open the envelope.)
" . . . Betsy Harman!"
Recognizing Eternal VIPs
Betsy came to the front of the room to receive a trophy, her card and pick up a candy bar. It wasn't as glamorous as an official Oscar gift basket, but I hope it still sent a strong message.
We gave an award to every staff member on the OSP team.
As directors, Eric, David, Karen and I know our staff team works hard. They have put friends, jobs, and sleep… not to mention any kind of hobby or leisure… on hold to invest in the OSP interns.
And they have done an amazing job. Just 5 weeks ago, the interns arrived looking apprehensive and unsure. Now they are a close-knit community that freely shares deep hurts along with pranks, hugs and jokes.
Lizzie's Thanks
The transformation is largely a result of God working through this amazing team. But don't take my word for it. The students agree that the staff team deserves every bit of VIP treatment they receive:
"I have had the best 2 weeks of my life, and it would not be possible without the OSP staff team! I love everyone, and every staff member is very approachable. I would not even hesitate to go to anyone if I had a problem. And you all are so funny! I feel like everyone has such a great time when we are all together.
I love how Betsy has one-to-one discipleship times with each girl in her small group. I've never been involved in a discipleship group before, and I feel so very comfortable talking to her (even about the things I don't like to talk about at all).
If anyone needed an energy boost, I would tell them all that they have made such an impact in my life. It's so encouraging to see strong Christians that can have a lot of fun with college students like us. Each and every staff member is such a blessing. And they are all great role models!" -Lizzie, a 2008 OSP intern
Is It Worth It?