LEWISTON — Colleen Michel, staffing coordinator at St. Mary’s d’Youville Pavilion, recently received the 2011 Celebrating Excellence in Caregiving Award during a recognition ceremony held at the Augusta Civic Center.

Ann LePage, wife of Gov. Paul LePage,  joined the Maine Health Care Association to present the awards.

Sponsored by MHCA, the Celebrating Excellence in Caregiving Award is given annually to a number of long-term-care employees statewide who have consistently exemplified a commendable level of caregiving, dedication and professionalism in caring for the state’s elderly and disabled residents living in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

Michel was one of 12 caregivers statewide who received the honor this year.

Nominations for the award were submitted by long-term-care facilities statewide and winners were selected by an independent panel of judges with long-term-care expertise.