Each year, the ARRL Board of Directors has the opportunity to select recipients for a number of awards that honor Amateur Radio operators. These awards, designed to recognize educational and technological pursuits in Amateur Radio, represent many categories, including education and technical excellence. If you know of someone who deserves to be recognized by the ARRL for the service and dedication they have shown on behalf of Amateur Radio, now is the time to submit their name for consideration. Nominations and supporting information should be submitted to ARRL Headquarters by March 31, 2009. Nomination forms and further information on these awards are found on the ARRL Web site.

The ARRL Herb S. Brier Instructor of the Year Award goes to a volunteer Amateur Radio instructor. The ARRL Professional Educator of the Year Award is given to a professional teacher who has incorporated Amateur Radio into his or her class curriculum.

The ARRL Microwave Development Award is presented to a licensed radio amateur (or to individuals who are licensed radio amateur) who contribute to the development of the Amateur Radio microwave bands.

The ARRL Technical Service Award recognizes a licensed radio amateur (or individuals who are licensed radio amateurs) who provides Amateur Radio technical assistance or training to others.

The ARRL Technical Innovation Award is granted to the licensed radio amateur (or to individuals who are licensed radio amateurs) who develops and applies new technical ideas or techniques in Amateur Radio.

The ARRL also offers an award to recognize someone who has served admirably as an ARRL Section Manager. The Knight Distinguished Service Award recognizes exceptionally notable contributions by a Section Manager to the health and vitality of the League. The first such award was presented to Joe T. Knight, W5PDY (now SK) in 2003 -- for whom the award was named -- in recognition of his exemplary service not only as the ARRL Section New Mexico Section Manager for more than a quarter century, but also for his willingness to share his knowledge and skills.

The Knight Distinguished Service Award may be awarded to an ARRL Section Manager who has distinguished himself or herself in accordance with the following ideals: Exceptionably notable contributions over and extended period of time within his or her Section and beyond; Demonstrated efforts that have contributed to the health and vitality of the ARRL and its Field Organization, and displayed actions that are in the spirit of the unselfish contributions of Joe T. Knight, W5PDY. Nominations may be made by any ARRL member and shall be accompanied by a narrative of the accomplishments of the nominee identifying the long term contributions of the nominee to ARRL and its Field Organization.

If you have questions on any of these awards, please contact Steve Ewald, WV1X via e-mail or by phone at 860-594-0265.