Distinguished Service Award
Each year the Distinguished Service Award is given to an individual in Vermont who has shown dedication and outstanding service to young children and families over a long period of time. He or she is dedicated to building excellence for children, and has had a sustained impact on the lives of children and families over at least 10 years of service in Vermont. The individual must be a Vermont resident, a plaque given at the VAEYC Fall Conference, a one year comprehensive VAEYC membership, and free entry to the Fall conference.
Congratulations to this year's recipient, Scott Noyes! Scott was presented with the Distinguished Service Award at the fall conference on October 20th.
Kit Serrell Memorial Award
The Kit Serrell Memorial Award was established in 1991 after the unexpected death of one of Vermont's foremost child advocates. The obituary notice for Kit read: "We will remember her frequent meetings with business leaders, legislators, and others in which she would say in a firm but cheery and grandmotherly way, 'But what about the children?'" Kit retired to Vermont in 1982 after devoting herself to young children by administering programs and organizations in New York and Connecticut. People in Vermont were always amazed and respectful of her energy and commitment to support children and families, and to educate others to become advocates for children's rights. The Kit Serrell Award is given each year to an individual or group who exemplifies her spirit. Individuals or groups will be considered who have had a specific impact on children or families in Vermont during the current year, beyond their job description, including local or regional grassroots efforts. The recipient of the award is announced at the Spring Annual Meeting, and consists of a regular VAEYC membership for one year, waived registration at the Fall VAEYC conference, dinner for the recipient and a guest at the Annual Meeting, and a plaque
The 2003 recipient is: Kim Keiser
*Email currentissues@vaeyc.org with your nomination!
Community Service Award
This award is given when the VAEYC Board chooses to recognize an inidividual or organization for a significant contribution to the general public with regard to young children and the issues that effect them, in the current year. The award consists of recognition at the VAEYC Fall Conference, regular membership in VAEYC, and dinner for the recipient at the Annual Meeting.
The 2002 recipient is: The Vermont Community Foundation
Children's Advocate Award
This award was established in 1996 to recognize the work of a Vermont government official such as a federal or state legislator, governor, or mayor during the past legislative session whose efforts have had a positive impact on young children in Vermont. It can be awarded yearly or less, depending on the decision of the VAEYC Board. The government official who is chosen will have consistently acted on behalf of young children in Vermont as demonstrated by maintaining a strong voting record on young children's issues, proposing bills which would positively impact young children and their families, children's issues, proposing bills which would positively impact young children and their families, seeking information from experts in the field of early childhood, and/or supporting successful legislation.