Winter 2018 | 9 All applications must be postmarked or faxed NO later than March 1, 2018. For application go to: vtvast.org/scholarships.html or call (802) 229-0005 ext. 10 Please send all applications to: VAST awards two $1,500 scholarships annually. VAST Scholarship Awards are open to VAST members, their spouses and/or dependents of all ages to help you further your education in any post secondary school, including vocational/technical education. Two Chances to Win! The applications of the top five finalists will also be submitted for consideration to the Northeast Chapter of the International Snowmobile Council’s (NEISC) Scholarship Awards program. The NEISC awards two $500 scholarship awards annually. Two$1500 SCHOLARSHIPS APPLICATIONSARE DUEMARCH1,2018 26 Vast Lane, Barre, VT 05641 | fax: 802-223-4316 | email: cindy@vtvast.org MakeaDifference NominateSomeone NOMINATIONSARE DUE APRIL1,2018 To obtain nomination forms go to vtvast.org/awards.html VAST volunteers and clubs are dedicated and committed all year long. Please take the time to nominate someone who deserves recognition. Horizon Volunteer • Trailblazer • Snowmobiler of the Year • Snowmobile Family of the Year • Jr. Snowmobiler of the Year (age limit 15) • Dealer of the Year • Snowmobile Club of the Year Awards for Clubs – Trail Related • Most Improved Trails • Best Signed Trails • Best Groomed Trails • Trail Project of the Year We are in full swing of the 2018 riding season! Look around and you will see many volunteers hard at work making things happen for all VAST members to enjoy. The VAST awards and recognition committee receives nominations every year from VAST members just like you. Take a few moments to submit a nomination for an individual, club, business or trail system that you believe deserves special recognition. Nominations can be submitted any time during the season, but keep in mind the final deadline is April 1 unless otherwise noted. The volume of nominations has greatly increased over the past few years. I believe the convenience of the online nomination process option has contributed to that. It’s a great feeling when someone recognizes you for your efforts. Take the time when writing your nominations to provide details as to why the award should be presented to your nominee. Multiple submissions from other VAST members are also good, but not required. Each submission should highlight the individual thoughts of the submitter. It is not the volume of nominations, so much as it is depth of the write-up. As you can see from the list below, there are a lot of potential awards. Committee Awards: The awards committee reviews, discusses and selects from nominations the following awards: Snowmobiler of the Year, Snowmobile Family of the Year, Junior Snowmobiler of the Year, Dealer of the Year, Horizon Award, Snowmobile Club of the Year, Project of the Year and the Founder’s Award (selected from Trailblazer submissions). The awards committee obtains additional input from the trails administrator, chair of the trails committee and the trailmaster from the nominee’s county for the following awards: Most Improved Trails, Best Signed Trails and Best Groomed Trails. VAST President’s Awards: Carmi Duso Award, Director/ Officer of the Year, Outstanding Local or National Business Participation, Distinguished Service Award. The President may also present awards to staff members, volunteers, landowners, law enforcement personnel or other outside individuals for a variety of reasons. Executive Director’s Awards: Legislator of the Year, Public Official of the Year, The Executive Director’s Award of Excellence, Honorary Membership, Partnership Award. Input from the membership is welcome and is due May 1 for the Honorary Membership and Partnership awards. Trails Administrator Awards: Club Trails Coordinator of the Year, County Trails Coordinator of the Year, Groomer of the Year, Personal Attributes awards. Scholarships: The awards committee awards two $1,500 scholarships annually. All applications must be postmarked or faxed no later than March 1. The awards committee reads, reviews and discusses all scholarship nominations in detail. For additional information and forms, go to vtvast.org. Select the “About” menu option and choose “Annual Awards” or “Scholarships” from the drop-down options. There you will find an option to download and print the form or scholarship application. For award nominations, you also have the ability to submit right there online. Awards Nominate Someone Today! By Patty Companik, Awards and Recognition Committee Chair