Recipient of the Exceptional Celtic Women Award 2000 Ann Trevenen Jenkin was named Exceptional Celtic Woman for the year 2000 award at Celtic Women International ceremonies October 13 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.

As the Grand Bard of Cornwall, Jenkin became the first woman Grand Bard in any of the three Celtic nations who have an order of bards -- Cornwall, Brittany, and Wales. During her three year term completed in September, she had traveled to centers of the Cornish diaspora throughout the United States, Canada, and Australia, putting a face to the distant, distinctive honorary organization and raising awareness of Cornish history and culture.

Jenkin was one of the leaders in producing a dynamic, colorful Millennium book given to the 83,000 schoolchildren in Cornwall. Originally made a bard for her knowledge of Cornish language, Jenkin fostered pride in Cornish heritage during a career in teaching and library work. She is also an environmentalist and an advocate for Cornish recognition in the European community. Jenkin lives in Leedstown near Hayle, Cornwall.

The Exceptional Celtic Woman Award is presented annually to celebrate, honor, and inspire women of Celtic heritage throughout the world. The presentation was made by the 1999 recipient of the award, Irish novelist Morgan Llywelyn during the third annual "Being Together" conference of Celtic Women International.

Founded in 1997, CWI brings together women from all seven Celtic nations to explore their common heritage.