Lonna Walker

2025's Regional Gem Award winner has been a driving force behind creative problem solving programs in SW Ohio for over 35 years. During that time, Lonna Walker served as a Regional Director, Regional Tournament Director, Regional Challenge Master, Affiliate Head Appraiser, Regional Training Coordinator, Appraiser, School Coordinator, and Team Manager to multiple teams in her school district.  Most recently, she served as Challenge Master for the technical challenge. Although she passed on the torch as Challenge Master this season, her commitment and love for DI remain strong.  She was a driving force behind the formation of Ohio DI's sponsor organization, Ohio Kids for Creativity, in 1999, which has allowed students all over Ohio, including hundreds in her own school district, to grow up in DI. For many years, she designed the dragon pin sets that Ohio became famous for. And rumor has it, somewhere in her house, she has at least one of every pin that Ohio has ever had! She's worn many hats, but under all those hats is a person who truly embodies the spirit of DI, and who has taught decades of students the value of creative problem solving. It is with deep gratitude that we present this year's Regional Gem Award to the hard working, wonderful, and very deserving Lonna Walker.