By Larry Dreiling, Legacy Committee Chairman
The theme often heard during the Olympics broadcast is John Williams’ “Summon The Heroes.” It’s time for AAEA to summon the heroes for nomination as recipients of the Distinguished Service Award and Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Distinguished Service Award is presented to non-members of AAEA who have demonstrated outstanding leadership efforts in education, science, or public affairs relevant to agriculture, or who shows significant potential for becoming an agricultural leader; and someone who would consider the award meaningful, be willing to accept the award at the Agricultural Media Summit and be videotaped at his/her home or office sometime this summer.
While contributions to the industry are important, service to the agricultural community is equally important. A nominee’s interests, like those of many past recipients, should include giving something back to their community. The person selected generally should be currently active in their field, rather than the recent past. Previous honorees have included Norman Borlaug, Temple Grandin, Barry Flinchbaugh, and Keith Collins.
The Lifetime Achievement Award is open to all members based on years of professional accomplishments and other criteria as noted below:
—Years of membership in AAEA;
—Professional accomplishments/achievement;
—The member’s contributions and service to agricultural communications through writing, editing, design, photography, etc.;
—Contribution to and involvement in AAEA;
—Other criteria as approved.
Deadline for nominations for both awards is May 10. Use the nomination forms below for ease in submission of nominations. For questions, contact Legacy Committee Chairman Larry Dreiling at ldreiling@hpj.com or 785-628-1117.