Eleven realtors were recently singled out for special honors at the 2016 Installation and Awards Banquet of the Seattle King County Realtors.

Mercer Island realtor Evangeline “Van” Anderson was a special honoree who received a Lifetime Achievement Award, a Realtor Excellence award and the Realtor Emeritus designation, one of only two designees in King County for this award in the 2016 class.

The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes special individuals who have shared their dedication, leadership and knowledge with their peers, leaving a lasting mark on the industry and organization. Anderson, who is affiliated with Windermere’s Mercer Island office, obtained her license in January 1974 and began a stellar career as a real estate professional and as an extraordinary volunteer, notably in the political arena.

Now 90, she has served as a local president, national director, real estate commissioner, instructor and tireless mentor. “Our organization has been the beneficiary of her guiding hand in many significant ways during the past 50 years,” stated Tyler McKenzie, SKCR president in 2015. “There is not a person in this room who has not been touched in some way by her kindness and friendship.”

Anderson also received a Excellence Award for her long service as a federal political coordinator to Sen. Patty Murray. She maintains regular contact with assigned members of Congress and performs other tasks as an advocate for the nonpartisan realtor party and all realtors.

SKCR’s highest honor, the Realtor of the Year award, went to Tyler McKenzie in recognition of his leadership and support of the local, state and national realtor associations.

Other 2016 award recipients include Elizabeth Peterson, with Chicago Title in Bellevue, who received the Affiliate of the Year award; Laura Roth, RE/MAX Choice Executives, Covington, Community Service Award; Bruce MacKintosh, Centennial Home Inspection Services, Woodinville, Government Affairs Volunteer of the Year; Donald Fillius, Coldwell Banker Danforth &Associates, Seattle/Burien, Instructor of the Year; J. Lennox Scott, chairman and CEO, John L. Scott Real Estate, Bellevue, Leader of the PAC; Rich Bergdahl, Bergdahl Real Property, Kirkland, Realtor Achievement; Rachel Adler, Windermere Real Estate/East, Inc., Bellevue, Realtor Excellence Award; Steven Wayne, Windermere Northwest, Inc., Seattle-Mount Baker, Realtor Excellence Award; and Dan Faulkner, Jr., John L. Scott Real Estate, Issaquah, Young Professionals Achievement Award.

The event also featured the installation of the organization’s 2017 leaders and a dessert auction to benefit a scholarship fund.

The annual event drew more than 220 participants, including members, affiliates and representatives from the group’s Young Professionals Network and Women’s Council of Realtors.