ALEXANDRIA, Va.-An NCUA meeting room was jam-packed with NCUA employees and their families to observe the agency's 18th Annual Awards Ceremony. The honors were so important to many at the agency that at least a half-a-dozen children could be seen around the room. One toddler shouted out `cheese' when a recipient walked up to receive his award and have his picture taken with NCUA Chairman Dennis Dollar. With overflow spilling out the doorway, NCUA employees from across the nation were flown in to receive awards for their hard work serving credit unions. The honorees' reward for their elbow grease came last week in several packages. Dollar handed out plaques outlining what the award was for and posed for pictures. NCUA Board Member Deborah Matz presented each awardee with a gift-wrapped mahogany desk clock, while Vice Chair JoAnn Johnson passed out what was described as nominal cash awards. A total of 51 NCUA employees were honored at the ceremony, though a few were unable to attend. Following the awards ceremony, recipients were herded down to the lobby for a group photo and then on to a cruise aboard the Spirit of Washington for a beautiful spring afternoon of sightseeing and a buffet lunch. The award recipients were permitted to bring one guest at the agency's expense. To win the awards, employees were nominated by colleagues and then approved by top NCUA officials. – [email protected]