2002 - President's Award of Distinction

Two NAA members were awarded the with the National Auctioneers Association President's Award of Distinction July 17, 2002 during the 53rd International Auctioneer Conference and Show Wednesday in Orlando.

Forrest Mendenhall, CAI, AARE of High Point, NC, and Larry A. McCool, CAI, of Madison, Miss are the first members to receive the newly created award. The NAA Board of Directors developed the award to honor those members whose conduct has distinguished the profession or the association in the last two years.Mendenhall is a life member of the NAA, has been an auctioneer for 50 years and is the owner of Mendenhall School of Auctioneering, based in High Point, N.C. He was recognized for his fundraising efforts for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the NAA's official charity

After being diagnosed and treated for lymphoma in 1999, Mendenhall began supporting the hospital in earnest after learning about its role in the medical community.

“Throughout my treatment, the name St. Jude came up a number of times because of the research they were doing and the fact that they share their findings with other doctors and hospitals throughout the world,” Mendenhall says.

Each class of students attending Mendenhall School of Auctioneering conducts a benefit auction with the proceeds going to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The first auction raised approximately $16,000. To date, Mendenhall's efforts have raised over $70,000.Larry A. McCool has been an auctioneer since 1976 and a member of the NAA since 1977. A fist-generation auctioneer, McCool has conducted over 1,500 auctions and has established his firm as one of the most successful in the Southeast United States. He served as a member of the NAA Board of Directors from 1998 to 2001, and currently serves as the Association's Vice President.

Shortly after the 52nd International Auctioneer Conference and Show in Boise, Idaho, McCool was diagnosed with lung cancer. Declaring he had "no intention of being a victim of cancer," McCool developed a five-point program that drew on his faith, strength of character and support of others to help him best his disease. In the opening session, NAA President Joe R. Wilson, CAI, said McCool's strength and perseverance should serve as inspiration to anyone facing illness or adversity.

Despite very difficult treatments for lung cancer, McCool has continued his busy schedule and continued to represent the association at state auctioneer association meetings.