Rocky Kirwin, program coordinator at the Auburn Senior Activity Center, recently was honored with the Professional Leadership Award for 2012 by the Washington State Association of Senior Centers.

The award honors those who demonstrate through their work efforts, performance and concern that clearly exceeds their daily responsibilities. These extra efforts can be demonstrated in the area of legislation, professional or community involvement, creative programming and other areas.

The award was presented at the association’s annual conference May 23 in Redmond.

Kirwin was hired at the senior center in 2007. He has been credited with many expansions and improvements at the center by increasing the number of participants; expanding the hiking and walking programs; developing an in-house and traveling Wii Bowling program; developing a traveling pool team; taking over the active, awarding-winning Wellness Team; expanding and updating the computer lab; completing of the Leadership Institute of South Puget Sound; and revitalizing the extended travel program.

Kirwin has given 14 years of dedicated service to seniors and the Washington State Association of Senior Centers. He has spent his career ensuring that the senior population is respected, honored and well taken care of. He has been instrumental in the lives of hundreds of senior-aged adults. He is serving as treasurer for the WSASC Board.

This is not the first award that Kirwin has received for his work with seniors, in 2005 he received the Diversity Award from the City of SeaTac; in 2003 earned the Extra Mile Award, also from SeaTac; and in 2001 was named the Washington State Association of Senior Centers Rising Star.

In his spare time he coaches for his boys sports teams and participates in golf, basketball and softball. He is a busy husband and father of two boys.