NMEA Awards

Award Nomination Process

The awards deadline is February 15 for ALL award submissions. A complete nomination form, along with any recommendation letters and all other supporting materials, must be received by the awards committee chairperson on or before February 15. All award recipients will receive a one-year NMEA membership (with the exception of the Honorary Membership Award - the recipient will receive a lifetime membership) and an engraved glass sculpture.

To submit a nomination online, go to the Award Nomination Form. To view the list of past award winners, go to our history page.

Johnette D. Bosarge Memorial Award

This is an award in loving memory of Johnette D. Bosarge, who served as our administrative assistant from 1999-2013. This is an annual, monetary award in the amount of $500 to be used as the recipient deems appropriate for attending the annual NMEA Conference and/or in the recipient’s formal or informal facility for educational purposes. A sea star sculpture containing the recipient’s name will also be presented during the Awards Ceremony at the annual NMEA Conference. This award is not based on fiscal need.

Eligibility: Candidates must be an NMEA member in good standing (and one of its chapters) and a current or retired professional educator in a formal or informal setting. The awardee should attend the NMEA Conference to accept the award.

Award considerations: Candidates must have a record of service and dedication to NMEA or the local chapter; exhibit loyalty, efficiency, and enthusiasm for marine and aquatic education; and consistently earn the respect of his or her peers.

Nomination Requirements: Nominations must include the nomination form, a one-page narrative describing your reasoning in nominating this individual, and two letters of recommendation for the candidate from colleagues or supervisors. Please include the following in the narrative: a) list nominee’s audience/grade level and content area(s), b) offer examples of effective, innovative instruction, c) describe how marine and aquatic topics are integrated into classes or programs, d) document successful student performance, and e) describe participation in NMEA and the nominee’s local chapter. All application materials, including letters of support must be received electronically by this date. All applicants will be notified whether they are selected or not by March 25 of each calendar year. If you have any questions, please contact Jessie Kastler at jessica.kastler@usm.edu. Applications will be evaluated annually by a committee established by the current NMEA President.

James Centorino Award

This award was named in the memory of Jim Centorino, an inspirational and passionate marine educator who taught at Salem State College, co-founded the Massachusetts Marine Educators and later the National Marine Education Association. In the mid 80s Jim died from cancer. He continues to be remembered by students and colleagues. Through this award, we at NMEA continue to remember his contributions to marine education. Only NMEA members are eligible. Nominees must be NMEA members in good standing before the award application is submitted. Active participation in NMEA is an important consideration. Documentation describing major contributions, such as outstanding leadership, program development, and participation in marine education organizations over the past five years, should be detailed in the nomination package.

For distinguished performance in marine education at a regional and/or national level. This award is for NMEA members only.

Eligibility: Candidates must be NMEA members in good standing and have demonstrated a dedication to marine issues over a career. Open to formal and informal educators and marine professionals.

Award Considerations: For outstanding work and leadership in any aspect of marine education at the local, regional, or national level. Documentation describing nominee’s career accomplishments in marine education, such as national and/or regional impact, leadership, programs, etc., should be detailed in nomination package.

Nomination Requirements: Complete the online nomination form. Supporting documents must not exceed 10 pages and should describe major contributions, such as outstanding leadership, program development, and participation in marine education organizations over the past five years.

Outstanding Teacher Award

For effective and innovative classroom teaching at any level. Only NMEA members are eligible. Nominees must be NMEA members in good standing before award application is submitted. Participation in NMEA is an important consideration for the award. Documentation describing candidate’s classroom environment, innovative materials and activities used and/or developed, integration of marine topics into various subject areas, and evidence of successful performance by candidate’s students should be detailed in nomination package.

Eligibility: Candidates must be NMEA members in good standing and a formal classroom teacher. Participation in NMEA is an important consideration.

Award Considerations: Candidate demonstrated innovation in introducing marine science into materials, classroom activities, and/or topics.

Nomination Requirements: Complete the online nomination form. Supporting documents must not exceed 10 pages and should include a description of the candidate’s classroom environment, innovative materials/activities developed, integration of marine topics into various subject areas, and evidence of successful performance by a candidate’s students.

Marine Education Award

For distinguished performance in marine education by professionals who are not classroom teachers. Can be awarded to a member or a non-member of NMEA, for current or past accomplishments. Candidates should have documented contributions to the furthering of marine science through education programs, legislation, and/or leadership.

Eligibility: Candidates are not required to be NMEA members.

Award Considerations: Candidate demonstrated innovation in introducing marine science into materials, activities, and/or topics.

Nomination Requirements: Complete the online nomination form. Supporting documents must not exceed 10 pages and should describe nominee’s career accomplishments in marine education, such as national and/or regional impact, leadership, and programs.

Marine Education Award - Outstanding Organization

For outstanding work and leadership by an organization in any aspect of marine education at the local, regional, or national level. Can be awarded to an organization, institution, or business, for current or past accomplishments. Documentation describing organization’s career accomplishments in marine education, such as national and/or regional impact, leadership, programs, etc., should be detailed in nomination package.

Eligibility: Institution, Organization, Institution, or Business. NMEA membership is NOT required.

Award Considerations: The organization demonstrates a strong commitment to supporting marine education through actions and/or financial commitments. Actions may include supporting marine education groups, offering conferences, developing and/or delivering marine-based educational activities and workshops, and promoting initiatives such as beach cleanups.

Nomination Requirements: Complete the online nomination form. Supporting documents must not exceed 10 pages and should describe organization’s career accomplishments in marine education, such as national and/or regional impact, leadership, and programs.

YOUTH LEADERSHIP IN MARINE CONSERVATION

For individuals 18 years old or younger or Youth Groups, who have demonstrated passion for protecting marine environments, educated the public about the importance of the marine environment, or advocated for the conservation and protection of marine environments and/or individual marine species. Can be awarded to a member or a non-member of NMEA, for current or past accomplishments. Candidates should have documented contributions to the furthering of marine science and conservation through education, research, advocacy, and/or community leadership.

Eligibility: Candidates are not required to be NMEA members. Individual candidates must not be older than 18 at time of nomination. The majority membership of the Youth Group must not be older than 18 at time of nomination.

Award Considerations: Candidates demonstrate a connection to the marine environment through organizing events, leading actions and/or their peers in ways that protect and/or promote the marine environment.

Nomination Requirements: Complete the online nomination form. Supporting documents must not exceed 10 pages and should describe nominee’s accomplishments in marine education and conservation, such as regional and/or national impact, leadership, and project(s).

Honorary Membership Award

Honorary Membership shall be the highest recognition that the Association can offer. To be eligible for such recognition, a person shall have demonstrated a distinguished career in teaching, research, or service in marine education. The award comes with a life membership to NMEA.

Eligibility: Current or previous membership in NMEA is required. Participation in NMEA is an important consideration.

Award Considerations: To honor any marine educator who has demonstrated leadership through their work in marine education.

Nomination Requirements: Complete the online nomination form. Supporting documents should describe nominee’s career accomplishments in teaching, research, or service in marine education.