Awards Program
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Welcome to the Eastern Division Awards webpage. In a sincere effort to recognize the accomplishments of our patrollers, National Ski Patrol has developed a program providing several types of awards. These include awards for extraordinary service, distinguished service, and ability and skills. There are awards for NSP members and non members. The National Awards Program encourages supplementation of awards on the Division, Region and Patrol levels. This page will concentrate on awards that are presented by the Eastern Division. In the future, this page will also include instructions to help write award nominations for National and Division level awards. For more information regarding Region and Patrol level awards, please check with your Region and/or Patrol Awards Advisors. A list of Region Awards Advisors can be found at the bottom of this page.
Most award nominations can be written at anytime during the year. The best place to start when deciding to write an award is with the NSP 2018 Policies and Procedures Manual which can be found on the NSP website under Member Resources. Chapter 12 of the P&P covers the Awards Program. It is recommended that you review the award nomination with your Region Awards Advisor as you go through the process. The RAA can help gather needed information for the nomination form and letter from the nominee’s NSP member profile. The RAA can also make recommendations on which award is the most appropriate. Always write nominations on the most current version of the form. They are updated frequently and are found on the NSP website/Member Resources/Forms and Documents/Awards. It is important that the nomination forms are filled out completely along with all required signatures. Several awards require a committee review and approval before being submitted to the Division Awards Advisor. All nominations must be submitted to the Division Awards Advisor through the Region Awards Advisor. Please allow 45 days for processing once the nomination is submitted to the DAA. Eastern Division Outstanding Awards are selected once a year. The deadline for submitting Outstanding nomination forms and letters is March 1. Writing an Outstanding award nomination takes time, research and input from many individuals so the process should start as early as possible in the season. Eastern Division uses the NSP nomination forms for Outstanding Awards which can be found on the NSP website. Eastern Division Outstanding Award winners are then sent as nominees for the NSP Outstanding Awards. I encourage you to take a look at the people on your patrol. Many are long overdue and deserving of an award. Take the time to nominate those patrollers. It’s one of the most rewarding things you can do. |
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Eastern Division Patroller Achievement Award (EDPAA)
In 2012 a new award was established to recognize Eastern Division members. The EDPAA is intended to recognize long tenured members who frequently go above and beyond at their patrol but who have not had the desire or opportunity to assume leadership roles at the Patrol or Region level. In 2012 150 Eastern Division Patrollers received this new award. Fifteen years of service is the minimum but members who have completed the Senior Program can be nominated after ten. There is a newly designed nomination form and certificate which you can view via the links below.
As you will see on the nomination form nominees are awarded points for many areas of NSP service and members with high point totals will receive the award. In 2013 there will also be 150. Members who have received a National Appointment or Leadership Commendation Appointment are not eligible. Receipt of this award does not prevent a member from receiving an Appointment Award in the future. To learn more about this new award please contact your Region Awards Advisor. Nominations must be submitted to Regions Awards Advisors who will review and forward them to the Eastern Division Awards Coordinator.
Nominations for this award will be accepted at any time. Recipients for the current year award will be determined April 1 and the pins and patches will be available to Region officers at the Division Annual Meeting.
Links: EDPAA Nomination Form | EDPAA Certificate1 | EDPAA Certificate2 (Blank)
As you will see on the nomination form nominees are awarded points for many areas of NSP service and members with high point totals will receive the award. In 2013 there will also be 150. Members who have received a National Appointment or Leadership Commendation Appointment are not eligible. Receipt of this award does not prevent a member from receiving an Appointment Award in the future. To learn more about this new award please contact your Region Awards Advisor. Nominations must be submitted to Regions Awards Advisors who will review and forward them to the Eastern Division Awards Coordinator.
Nominations for this award will be accepted at any time. Recipients for the current year award will be determined April 1 and the pins and patches will be available to Region officers at the Division Annual Meeting.
Links: EDPAA Nomination Form | EDPAA Certificate1 | EDPAA Certificate2 (Blank)
T. Tyler Davis Outstanding Instructor Award
The T. Tyler Davis Outstanding Instructor Award is given to the most outstanding non-OEC instructor each year. The recipient will be chosen from those nominated for the National Outstanding Instructor Award (Roger Langley Outstanding Instructor Award). The winner of the T. Tyler Davis Outstanding Instructor Award will be forwarded to the National Office as the Eastern Divisions Outstanding Instructor. The form to be used is the Outstanding Ski Patroller Form in electronic form. Nominations flow from Patrol Unit Representative, Section Chief and Regional Director with a Division level review board and Division Director picking the winner. Deadline for submission is March 1st each year.
The late T (Thomas) Tyler Davis joined the NSP in 1958. He served as Patrol Director, Section Chief and Region Director in Western Pennsylvania, now know as the Western Appalachian Region. A recipient of the cherished Mini Dole Award and a Gold Merit Star, Tyler also was an NSP Board Member, Assistant Eastern Division Director and Eastern Division Awards Chairman. He served as an Instructor and Instructor Trainer in every NSP discipline including OEC, Avalanche, Mountaineering and S&T. Tyler was also a devoted volunteer for the American Red Cross. In 2017, T. Tyler Davis was inducted as a member of the NSP Hall of Fame.
The 2019 winner was: Pamela Welch GV
The late T (Thomas) Tyler Davis joined the NSP in 1958. He served as Patrol Director, Section Chief and Region Director in Western Pennsylvania, now know as the Western Appalachian Region. A recipient of the cherished Mini Dole Award and a Gold Merit Star, Tyler also was an NSP Board Member, Assistant Eastern Division Director and Eastern Division Awards Chairman. He served as an Instructor and Instructor Trainer in every NSP discipline including OEC, Avalanche, Mountaineering and S&T. Tyler was also a devoted volunteer for the American Red Cross. In 2017, T. Tyler Davis was inducted as a member of the NSP Hall of Fame.
The 2019 winner was: Pamela Welch GV
Donald Hamlin Outstanding OEC Instructor Award
The Donald Hamlin Outstanding OEC Instructor Award is awarded to the most outstanding OEC instructor in the Division each year. This Patroller's name will be forwarded to the National Competition for OEC Instructors. The form to be used is the Outstanding OEC Instructor form. Deadline for submission is March 1st each year.
Donald L. Hamlin joined the NSP in 1943. Over the course of his 60 year membership, he patrolled in the Eastern PA, Western NY, and Northern VT Regions of the Eastern Division. During the course of his career he was a Patrol Director, Region Director, served as the Eastern Division First Aid Advisor and held National Appointment #2265. Prior to the adoption of the OEC program by the NSP, Don was an Advanced First Aid Instructor training hundreds of Patrollers. Not content with providing care to the public just in the winter, he and several other Patrollers founded Essex Rescue, a highly respected volunteer ambulance organization serving one of Vermont’s largest communities. Don was a firm believer in training and encouraged continual training throughout the ski season. His leadership and support of constant and challenging training have left an impact that can still be felt in the NSP.
The 2019 winner was: Glenn Gebhard GV
Donald L. Hamlin joined the NSP in 1943. Over the course of his 60 year membership, he patrolled in the Eastern PA, Western NY, and Northern VT Regions of the Eastern Division. During the course of his career he was a Patrol Director, Region Director, served as the Eastern Division First Aid Advisor and held National Appointment #2265. Prior to the adoption of the OEC program by the NSP, Don was an Advanced First Aid Instructor training hundreds of Patrollers. Not content with providing care to the public just in the winter, he and several other Patrollers founded Essex Rescue, a highly respected volunteer ambulance organization serving one of Vermont’s largest communities. Don was a firm believer in training and encouraged continual training throughout the ski season. His leadership and support of constant and challenging training have left an impact that can still be felt in the NSP.
The 2019 winner was: Glenn Gebhard GV
William J. Gross Memorial First Aid Trophy
The William J. Gross Memorial First Aid Trophy was established in 1967 as a memorial to Bill Gross, former leader of the Metropolitan NYC Patrol. It is available to be awarded each year to the Patroller or Patrollers in the Eastern Division performing the most outstanding feat of first aid, on or off the slopes, whether it involves lifesaving or not. All recipients of the Purple Merit Star for the 12 months preceding March 1st are considered for the award by a Division Jury appointed by the Division Awards Advisor.
The 2019 winner was: Deborah Whalen GV / Skip Millor GV / Brian Denley ME
The 2019 winner was: Deborah Whalen GV / Skip Millor GV / Brian Denley ME
Donald F. Page Outstanding Administrative Patroller Award
The Donald F. Page Outstanding Administrative Patroller Award is awarded to the most Outstanding Administrative Ski Patroller. The winner will be forwarded to the National Office as the Eastern Division Outstanding Administrative Ski Patroller. The form to be used is the Outstanding Ski Patroller (Administrative) in electronic form. Nominations flow from Patrol Unit Representative, Section Chief and Regional Director with a Division level Review Board and the Division Director picking the winner. Deadline for submission is March 1st each year.
Donald F. Page joined the NSP in 1955. He served as Patrol Director, Section Chief, Region Director, Assistant Division Director, Division Director and NSP Board Member. He coordinated the selection of NSP volunteers for the 1980 Olympics in Lake Placid. Don has served as parliamentarian at Eastern Division Annual meetings for over 40 years. Awarded National number 2182 in 1960, Don is also a recipient of the coveted Mini Dole Award and is a member of the NSP Hall of Fame.
The 2019 winner was: Nancy Mayberry EPA
Donald F. Page joined the NSP in 1955. He served as Patrol Director, Section Chief, Region Director, Assistant Division Director, Division Director and NSP Board Member. He coordinated the selection of NSP volunteers for the 1980 Olympics in Lake Placid. Don has served as parliamentarian at Eastern Division Annual meetings for over 40 years. Awarded National number 2182 in 1960, Don is also a recipient of the coveted Mini Dole Award and is a member of the NSP Hall of Fame.
The 2019 winner was: Nancy Mayberry EPA
George Wesson Jr. Outstanding Paid Patroller Award
The George Wesson Jr. Outstanding Paid Patroller Award is awarded to the most outstanding Paid Ski Patroller. The winner will be forwarded to the National Office as the Eastern Division Outstanding Paid Patroller. The form to be used is the Outstanding Ski Patroller (Paid) in electronic form. Nominations flow from Patrol Unit Representative, Section Chief and Regional Director with a Division level Review Board and the Division Director picking the winner. Deadline for submission is March 1st each year.
The late George F. Wesson Jr. was an original member of the NSP, joining in 1938. He also served in the 10th Mountain Division. George was one of five founding members of the NSP Certified Program, and during his NSP career served as Patrol Director at Mount Mansfield, Sugarbush, Thunder Mountain and Killington. At the time of his death, he was among NSP's oldest and most honored members. In 2017, George Wesson Jr. was inducted as a member of the NSP Hall of Fame.
The 2019 winner was: John Doremus EPA
The late George F. Wesson Jr. was an original member of the NSP, joining in 1938. He also served in the 10th Mountain Division. George was one of five founding members of the NSP Certified Program, and during his NSP career served as Patrol Director at Mount Mansfield, Sugarbush, Thunder Mountain and Killington. At the time of his death, he was among NSP's oldest and most honored members. In 2017, George Wesson Jr. was inducted as a member of the NSP Hall of Fame.
The 2019 winner was: John Doremus EPA
Jerry Sherman Outstanding Division Patroller Award
The Jerry Sherman Outstanding Division Patroller Award is awarded at the discretion of the Division Director to a Patroller for outstanding service to or within the Division. The award does not have to be given each year. Submissions are due by March 1st.
Past Division Director and member of the NSP Hall of Fame Jerry Sherman joined NSP in 1978. He has served as Patrol Director, Region Director, Assistant Division Director, NSP Board Member and is currently the Division Awards Coordinator. A past member of the Brantling Ski Patrol he is currently active as a Paid Patroller at Bristol Mountain and a Volunteer at Hunt Hollow, all in the Genesee Valley Region. During his tenure as Division Director he asked several outstanding and highly respected Eastern Division members to study and make recommendations for change to the governance model. The end result of two distinguished committees, one led by Rick Andriole from Western Massachusetts and the other by Rick Hamlin from Northern Vermont, is our current structure. Rick Hamlin then took that structure on to the National Level. The "One Patroller one Vote" privileges that we now enjoy are a direct result of the work of those committees.
The 2019 winner was: Paul Kling NH
Past Division Director and member of the NSP Hall of Fame Jerry Sherman joined NSP in 1978. He has served as Patrol Director, Region Director, Assistant Division Director, NSP Board Member and is currently the Division Awards Coordinator. A past member of the Brantling Ski Patrol he is currently active as a Paid Patroller at Bristol Mountain and a Volunteer at Hunt Hollow, all in the Genesee Valley Region. During his tenure as Division Director he asked several outstanding and highly respected Eastern Division members to study and make recommendations for change to the governance model. The end result of two distinguished committees, one led by Rick Andriole from Western Massachusetts and the other by Rick Hamlin from Northern Vermont, is our current structure. Rick Hamlin then took that structure on to the National Level. The "One Patroller one Vote" privileges that we now enjoy are a direct result of the work of those committees.
The 2019 winner was: Paul Kling NH
Pete Snyder Outstanding Nordic Patroller Award
The Pete Snyder Outstanding Nordic Patroller Award is awarded to the most outstanding Nordic Patroller in the Division, who's name will be forwarded to NSP for consideration as the National Outstanding Nordic Patroller. The deadline for consideration for this award will be March 1st each year.
Pete Snyder joined the NSP in 1953 he is currently a member of the Upper Delaware Nordic and Tanglewood Alpine patrols. He has earned Senior Status as both a Nordic and Alpine Patroller. A long time Division Nordic Advisor Pete still serves as an Instructor Trainer for OEC, Mountain Travel and Rescue and Nordic Ski and Toboggan. In 2017, Peter Snyder was inducted as a member of the NSP Hall of Fame.
The 2019 winner was: Melinda Mingus CT
Pete Snyder joined the NSP in 1953 he is currently a member of the Upper Delaware Nordic and Tanglewood Alpine patrols. He has earned Senior Status as both a Nordic and Alpine Patroller. A long time Division Nordic Advisor Pete still serves as an Instructor Trainer for OEC, Mountain Travel and Rescue and Nordic Ski and Toboggan. In 2017, Peter Snyder was inducted as a member of the NSP Hall of Fame.
The 2019 winner was: Melinda Mingus CT
Roger Damon Avalanche Award
Roger Damon, a member of the Mount Washington Ski Patrol, joined the NSP in 1947. He received National Appointment #2835 in 1965. He has been a leader in Avalanche Education in the Eastern Division and the NSP for his entire Patrol career. Nominees for this Award come from the Division Avalanche Instructor group and are approved by the Division Director and Division Awards Advisor. The deadline for nominations is April 1st.
There are two recipients this year, for efforts to protect the skiing public through improved weather forecasting to aid backcountry travel decisions and installation of scientific weather instrumentation in avalanche terrain.
The 2019 winners was: Linda Helms NVT
There are two recipients this year, for efforts to protect the skiing public through improved weather forecasting to aid backcountry travel decisions and installation of scientific weather instrumentation in avalanche terrain.
The 2019 winners was: Linda Helms NVT
Donna McGraw Patroller for Patrollers Award
The Patroller for Patrollers award is chosen by the Division Director. It is given to an individual that the Division Director feels has made an outstanding contribution to the Eastern Division and/or the National Ski Patrol.
Donna McGraw joined the NSP in 1970, she has served the Eastern Division as Administrator and Registration guru for over 35 years. When you call, write or Email the Eastern Division office Donna answers. She acts as Secretary for Division Annual meetings and all meetings of the Division Board of Directors. She communicates with and supports the Division Director, the Division Board, Division Advisors and the National Office in Lakewood CO. She is truly a Patroller for Patrollers.
The 2019 winner was: Gerald Hyson EMARI
Donna McGraw joined the NSP in 1970, she has served the Eastern Division as Administrator and Registration guru for over 35 years. When you call, write or Email the Eastern Division office Donna answers. She acts as Secretary for Division Annual meetings and all meetings of the Division Board of Directors. She communicates with and supports the Division Director, the Division Board, Division Advisors and the National Office in Lakewood CO. She is truly a Patroller for Patrollers.
The 2019 winner was: Gerald Hyson EMARI
Mary M. Davis Outstanding Patroller Award
M2 joined the NSP in 1968. She has served in numerous leadership positions of increasing responsibility including Patrol Director, Region First Aid Advisor, Division First Aid Advisor, Division OEC Supervisor, Assistant Division Director, National Board Member, National Executive Committee, and Region Director. Among Mary’s many accomplishments include her involvement in the WEC/OEC Program’s development and implementation, in addition to, her involvement in writing of the OEC Textbook’s 1st, 2nd, and 3rd editions. She has also chaired the NSP Committee that worked with the NSAA to develop the Lift Evacuation Manual’s 4th edition. Mary has been recognized for her many and continuous contributions, including National Appointment #5006 [1975], the Southern Division Outstanding Professional Patroller Award [1986], the Marlen Guell National Outstanding Administrative Patroller [1991], Gold Star [1991], and the Distinguished Service Award [1998]. Despite being impacted with the ongoing physical side-effects of aggressive treatment for Ovarian Cancer in 1999, Mary has continued to serve in several leadership and instructional roles in the Division while mentoring others. Mary is currently a member of the Bromley Ski Patrol in Southern Vermont. In 2017, Mary M. Davis was inducted as a member of the NSP Hall of Fame.
The 2019 winner was: John Laitala EMARI
The 2019 winner was: John Laitala EMARI
Al Pels Outstanding Alumni Award
Al Pels was an active member of the National Ski Patrol for 62 years and proudly patrolled at Mad River Glen, VT; Smugglers’ Notch, VT; Great Gorge/Vernon Valley, NJ; Crotched Mountain, NH; and Ragged Mountain, NH. He was a former National Board Member, NJ Region Director and Section Chief, NH Alumni Advisor, and most recently was the Eastern Division Alumni Advisor where he excelled in leadership roles.
The 2019 winner was: Ed Hirshman GVR
The 2019 winner was: Ed Hirshman GVR
Eastern Division Patriot Star Award
The Easter Division Patriot Star can be awarded to any active NSP member who is also currently an active duty member of the U.S. Armed Forces for at least three years; or a current member of the U.S. Armed Forces Reserves or National Guard; or who had been honorably discharged after serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. The armed forces include the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, Army National Guard, and Air National Guard. The Patriot Star Patch should be placed on the right arm of the patrol parka one-half the distance form the cuff to the elbow. To nominate a patroller, use the Eastern Division Patriot Star form link located at the bottom of this section.
The guidelines above reflect changes to the Eastern Division Patriot Star awards process that were presented to the ED Awards Committee and the ED Board of Directors during the 2018 Spring Officers Meeting. The original creators of the Award had been previously consulted on the changes and approved them. The Awards Committee and the Board of Directors voted in favor of those changes. For more information regarding changes to the nomination process, please see Jeff Paston’s article written for the Summer 2018 edition of Trail Sweep.
Special thanks to the creators of the Eastern Division Patriot Star: Dave Nelson, Sr., Rick Hamlin, Sue-Ellen Helmacy, and Bill Boulter
Links: Eligibility for Patriot Star Recognition Expanded (Trail Sweep) | Award Announcement (PDF) | Award Nomination Form (DOC)
The guidelines above reflect changes to the Eastern Division Patriot Star awards process that were presented to the ED Awards Committee and the ED Board of Directors during the 2018 Spring Officers Meeting. The original creators of the Award had been previously consulted on the changes and approved them. The Awards Committee and the Board of Directors voted in favor of those changes. For more information regarding changes to the nomination process, please see Jeff Paston’s article written for the Summer 2018 edition of Trail Sweep.
Special thanks to the creators of the Eastern Division Patriot Star: Dave Nelson, Sr., Rick Hamlin, Sue-Ellen Helmacy, and Bill Boulter
Links: Eligibility for Patriot Star Recognition Expanded (Trail Sweep) | Award Announcement (PDF) | Award Nomination Form (DOC)
Other "Outstanding" Awards
There are several "Outstanding" Awards that are currently not named after someone. Nominations for these awards must go through the Region Awards Advisors and must be submitted by March 1st. The nominations are judged by the Division Jury and the Winners are announced at the Eastern Division annual meeting. The winners here are then forwarded to the National Office for consideration at the National Level. A description of these awards and the required forms can be found in NSP Policies and Procedures Chapter 12.
The following is the awards and the winners for 2019:
- Outstanding Small Alpine Patrol: Powder Ridge CT
- Outstanding Large Alpine Patrol: Wachusett Mountain EMARI
- Outstanding Nordic Ski Patrol: Valley Forge EPA
- Outstanding Paid Patroller: John Doremus EPA
- Outstanding Patrol Director:
- Outstanding Young Adult Patroller: Madeline O’Connell EMARI
- 990 Award: Orest Ohar NH
- 501c3 Award: Denice Kaus WNY
Region Awards Advisors
The following is a list of Region Awards Advisors you can find their contact information on their Region Website. If you have trouble contacting a Region Awards Advisor feel free to contact the me.
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