Trinity Valley Community College Cardettes Director Darla Mansfield was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Texas Dance Educators Association (TDEA) convention held in January.
“I feel very honored and humbled to have received this award, since it has also been given to leaders in our field such as Gussie Neil Davis, Joyce Pennington, Donna Mastandrea, Tammy Fife, Shelly Wayne and others,” said Mansfield.  “I feel that this award is also given to TVCC because without the support of the college and the Cardettes, many of (my) achievements would not be possible.” 
The TDEA’s stated is goal is “to promote quality training and leadership as educators in the field of dance.” The organization also urges its membership to advocate for dance education in their schools. To qualify for the Lifetime Achievement Award, a member must have “15 years or more experience in the dance field and exhibit a true dedication toward the advancement of dance/drill team.” Ms. Mansfield has been the Cardettes director since 2000.