The New England League of Middle Schools “Distinguished Service Award” is presented to one or more outstanding New England educator (when appropriate) selected by the Board of Directors. To qualify, the individual(s) must have demonstrated qualities established in the criteria for nomination and selection for this award. They are:
A record of service that reflects a high level of dedication and commitment to the cause of quality education for early adolescents.
A life that models the human qualities which, one day, we would want early adolescents to emulate.
A record of scholarship invested in helping others to better understand the unique needs of early adolescents.
A record of activities that clearly demonstrates a concern for those less fortunate, in need of special leadership.
A record of leadership in organizing and directing others to excellence in middle level education.
A member of the NELMS Board, holding office when the “Distinguished Service Award” is voted, is not eligible for recognition. Likewise, individuals who have been NELMS Board Chairs are not eligible for a two year period after leaving the Board.
John Lounsbury 1986
James P. Garvin 1987
J. Howard Johnston 1988
Nancy Doda 1989
George Melton 1990
William Alexander 1991
Gerald P. Bourgeois 1992
Chris Stevenson 1993
Preston Shaw 1994
Carol Spencer 1995
Henry Christ 1996
Jerome Belair 1997
Edward Brazee 1998
Neila Connors 1999
Sandra Caldwell 2000
Sam Lewbel 2001
Krista Abear 2002
Paul George 2003
Catherine Thibodeau 2004
James Beane/Barbara Brodhagen 2005
Earle Bidwell 2006
Sue Swaim 2007
Rick Wormeli 2008
Pat Clem 2009
Paul Freeman 2010
Richard Wheeler 2011
Jack Berkemeyer 2012
Lyn Healy 2013