Each year, we recognize a select few of our members for their achievements and contributions in the past year through the presentation of these special awards at our annual holiday party.

The Traverso Award is given to the member who has shown the most improvement through taking a “never quit” attitude.. This Award is given in honor of Jim Traverso, a member who lost his life on the Sun Kosi River in Nepal in 1999. Jim was a dedicated teacher, guide, adventurer, and lover of the outdoors. Members nominate for this award, and the selection is made by the Board of Directors

Past Recipients:
2013 – Cathy Folster
2012 – Robert Folster
2011 – Warren Parlee
2010 – Bob Levine
2009 – Scott La France
2008 – Marc Parsons
2007 – Gillian Beckwith
2006 – Judy Whipple
2005 – Kevin Beckwith
2004 – Dee Hall
2003 – Suzanne Hutchinson
2002 – Patty Phelan
2001 – Lisa Santullo
2000 – Tom Casey
1999 – John Goodman

The Paddler of the Year award is presented to the person who has made the greatest contributions to benefit the club’s membership. Any member can nominate and the selection is made by the President.

Past Recipients:
2013 – Prudence Baxter
2012 – Lorrie Allen
2011 – Leslie Beale
2010 – Doug Mogill
2009 – Rob Hazard
2008 – Al Coons
2007 – Cathy Foley
2006 – Kevin Beckwith
2005 – Dee Hall
2004 – Suzanne Hutchinson
2003 – Membership Committee and the Trip Leader Committee
2002 – Rick Crangle
2001 – Peter Logan and Adam Bolonsky
2000 – Jed Luby
1999 – Chris Perkins

The Founders Award is given to the person who has done the most to keep the NSPN spirit alive by giving of themselves to better the club, in ways that may not always be visible. Members nominate for this award, and the selection is made by the Board of Directors.

Past Recipients:
2013 – Cathy Folster
2012 – Chris Mabon
2011 – Peter Brady
2010 – Heidi Hall
2009 – Chris Mabon
2008 – Heidi Hall
2007 – Bill Gwynn, Jason Kates
2006 – Kevin Beckwith
2004 – Brian Nystrom, Richard Najarian, Cathy Foley, Dee Hall
2003 – Scott Camlin
2002 – Mike Sabin
2001 – Liz Neumeier
2000 – Jed Luby
1999 – Chris Perkins

School of Hard Knocks
This is a fun award, to celebrate the club member who suffered the most damage to dignity, limb and property while paddling. The rules (made up on the spot, perhaps under the influence of strong waters) dictate that each year’s recipient selects the next year’s winner.

Past Recipients:
2013 – Bill Harter
2012 – Scott Kimball
2011 – Rick Stoehrer
2010 – Glen Crowley
2009 – Lisa Huntington
2008 – Karen Gladstone
2007 – Peter Brady