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Nomination Timeline:  April 15 - September 15, 2024

Winners recognized at 2024 IAGC Conference

Sally Walker Distinguished Service Award

DESCRIPTION

Named in honor of long-time IAGC Executive Director and nationally recognized gifted advocate, Sally Walker, IAGC presents the Distinguished Service Award to an individual who has made significant contributions and impact to the field of gifted education in Illinois and/or to the development of the organization. This award is given to an individual who has been in the field for more than ten years and/or IAGC for at least four years and has shown evidence of making major contributions with lasting impact on the field of gifted education.

These contributions must have been ongoing and must demonstrate a continued commitment over time. 

All IAGC board members, committee chairs and paid employees are ineligible for this award.

Selection Criteria

1. Evidence of contributions to the field of gifted education over time:

• Made a significant advocacy contribution resulting in change of policy at the state or national level
• Made significant legislative contribution at state or national level resulting in increased funding, mandates, teacher certification, or endorsement 
• Served in an advisory capacity at the state or national level with demonstrated results

2. Evidence of long-term service and continued contributions to IAGC over time: 

• Has a successful history of leadership roles (i.e., committees, officer positions) over an extended period of time
• Created and coordinated initiatives that provided improved or expanded service to members of the organization. Examples could include coordinating special events, carrying out advocacy campaigns, or coordinating IAGC's annual convention 
• Attended on a regular basis IAGC conventions and participated as a speaker or in other roles

3.  Evidence of long-term service to the field: 

• Demonstrated career-long involvement in gifted education 
• Made a unique contribution to the field in a leadership role at the state level, such as working on state level committees or meeting with state officials to advocate for gifted education 
• Made ongoing contribution to the field through journal articles, administration of a school for the gifted, or leadership positions in an organization 
• Recognized for having an expertise in a particular area such as advocacy, curriculum, or program development, which benefits the field 
• Presented at state and/or national conferences
• Served as a mentor to early leaders in the field

Restrictions

1. The nominee must have actively served the field for more than ten years and the IAGC for at least four years. 2. An individual may receive this award only once.

Bonnie Park Leadership Legacy Award

DESCRIPTION

The Illinois Association for Gifted Children will present the Bonnie Park Leadership Legacy Award to an individual who works tirelessly as an advocate for gifted students.

Nominees should demonstrate service excellence, going above and beyond to make a significant impact on the lives of gifted students. To be eligible for the award, the nominee must be actively involved in the field of gifted education and show evidence of making a significant contribution to the field or having a measurable impact on gifted students.

IAGC board members, committee chairs and paid employees are ineligible for this award.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Nominees must show evidence of active involvement in the field of gifted education and measurable impact on gifted students.

Examples include the following:

• Made a significant advocacy contribution resulting in change that improves the education of gifted children.
• Served in an advisory or leadership capacity at the district, state or national level with demonstrated results
• History of engagement and/or leadership in IAGC (active membership, committee involvement, officer position, etc.) 
• Contributions to the field through research, journal articles, administration of a school or program for the gifted, or leadership positions in an organization 
• Recognized for having an expertise in a particular area such as advocacy, curriculum, or program development, which benefits the field
• Presented at state and/or national conferences to share recognized expertise
• Served as a mentor to early leaders in the field 
• Developed/initiated a new program or service for gifted children (school, district or state level)