Diane Y. Welch
A Community Asset
retelling people's stories, past and present
Awards
Preservation Awards
Each year, Save Our Heritage Organisation (SOHO) awards people in the community for their efforts in the preservation of the built environment, whether through the restoration of historically significant structures or by shining a light on important local historic people and places. In 2013 SOHO presented me with The Monumental Work Award for my tireless work on Lilian J. Rice which continues. SOHO enjoyed my acceptance speech so much that they invited me to attend future award events as Master of Ceremonies which I was honored to do. Of note, the same day that I received my award from SOHO, District Three County Supervisor presented me with an Award of Recognition for my extensive work on Master Architect Lilian J. Rice.
Author Awards
My monograph on Lilian Rice was nominated for an award in the biography category at the 2011 San Diego Book Awards. There was strong competition as five books had been shortlisted for this category. I was thrilled when it was announced that I beat the competition to win top honors, first place for "Lilian J. Rice, Architect of Rancho Santa Fe, California". That same year the book was selected to be in the collection of the San Diego County Library system. It can also be found in many universities in the USA.
Journalism Awards
Having been a journalist for over ten years, it finally dawned on me that perhaps I should enter a couple of my published articles for consideration for an award through the San Diego Press Club. To my delight and surprise one of the entries won first place in the Architecture and Design Category, a story I wrote, proving the adage "You have to be in it to win it!' Since then I have been honored annually with several awards for my journalism.