This is an award bestowed upon individuals who have given outstanding service to STANYS through their volunteerism. It is most often awarded to retiring Directors at Large (DAL), or Chairs of Board Committees. 

DALs represent STANYS members in their subject area through their expertise, leadership and by coordinating work done by the Subject Area Representatives (SARs) from the sixteen STANYS sections. At the Annual Conference, they coordinate with the SARs in their subject area, or grade level, to create relevant workshops, presentations, or institutes.

The Board of Directors directs the actions of STANYS by their votes, working cooperatively with other Directors, and the Executive Committee. The various committees carry out the actions needed to make STANYS work for our members. We value their time and commitment to the organization. Other individuals who play key roles in running STANYS, for example our Special directors, or other members of the STANYS leadership, may also have their contributions acknowledged by this award.