Online Nomination Form & Instructions

THE DEDE SMITH FRIEND OF GIFTED AWARD      
​Dede, one of GAM’s founders, served as GAM president and editor. Under her insightful guidance, the Missouri Scholars Academy was established. Dede initiated and served as Director of Drury’s Center for Gifted Education until her untimely death in 1991. The Dede Smith Friend of Gifted Award is awarded by nomination. GAM invites nominations of individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the field of gifted education in Missouri. An individual who is eligible to be a recipient of this award will belong to one of the following categories: legislator or other elected official, administrator, counselor, regular classroom teacher, media person, business person or mentor. (Click PDF for instructions at the online nomination form above)

THE DELMA JOHNSON OUTSTANDING EDUCATOR OF GIFTED AWARD
The Delma Johnson Outstanding Educator of Gifted Award is for educators who have made outstanding contributions to the field of gifted education in Missouri. GAM invites eligible nominees who belong to one of the following categories: teacher of gifted, coordinator of gifted programming, or college professor directly involved with gifted students or teachers of gifted. (Click PDF for instructions at the online nomination form above)

 
THE NORINE KERBER PARENT OF GIFTED AWARD
The Norine Kerber Parent of Gifted Award recognizes parents who have made outstanding contributions to the field of gifted education in Missouri. GAM invites nominees who belong to one of the following categories: parent, step-parent, or guardian of a gifted child in the state of Missouri. (Click PDF for instructions at the online nomination form above)

 
The BOB ROACH SCHOLARSHIP FOR NEW TEACHERS

Sponsored by Drury University
In 1999, GAM created the New Teacher Scholarship to promote the certification of teachers in the field of gifted education. In 2007, the award was renamed the Bob Roach Scholarship for New Teachers in honor of the continuous commitment of gifted educator, Bob Roach. In 2010, the gifted community lost this life-long educator and friend. GAM honors Bob’s passion for Gifted Education with a $250 scholarship awarded annually at the Gifted Association of Missouri Conference.  To apply, applicants must be in the process of obtaining certification in gifted education and in their first or second year of teaching gifted. (Click PDF for instructions at the online nomination form above)

 
Vicky Bennett Distinguished Student Award

(Download Guidelines for Application Here)
The Vicky Bennett Distinguished Student Award is awarded to one student each year from Missouri. Recipients are given a $250.00 scholarship along with a Certificate of Excellence by the Gifted Association of Missouri (GAM). Students selected for the award are between grades 3 and 6 and have distinguished themselves in academic achievement, leadership, and/or the arts. Applications for the Missouri Vicky Bennett Award must be postmarked by December 1, 2020 to: