AERO Awards
It is time to begin thinking about submissions for the 2010 AERO Conference Awards. The information below explains each of the awards, and you will find a single AERO Awards Application at the bottom of this page. This application is the one application that is to be used for any one of the awards.
The J. Kenneth Cozier Memorial Award
In memory of Mr. J. Kenneth Cozier, this award was established in 1975 and is the highest honor presented by the AERO organization. Candidates must be active or recently retired professionals with at least five (5) years of experience in the field of education or rehabilitation of people who are blind or visually impaired. Candidates should demonstrate integrity, exemplary character and dedication that epitomize the spirit and quality of service to people who are blind or visually impaired. They must have made an outstanding contribution to the field as a result of leadership and support. They must maintain the goals and objectives of the AERO professional organization and maintain membership within the organization.The Judy Cernkovich Excellence in Education Award
In honor and memory of Mrs. Judy Cernkovich, this award was established in 2007 to honor an Ohio educator who has proved to be outstanding in the field of Special Education for Students who are Visually Impaired. Candidates must be active or recently retired professionals in the field and must have made an outstanding contribution to the field as a result of leadership and teachings. Candidates should demonstrate integrity and dedication to the field of education.The AERO Student of the Year Award
= This is an annual award created to recognize an outstanding high school or college student who is blind or visually impaired from the state of Ohio. Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to achieve educational, personal and social goals. Nominated by their teachers, rehabilitation specialists, families or community, these students should be well-rounded examples of individuals who have overcome personal obstacles to achieve success.The AERO Special Recognition Award
This is an annual award that was established to acknowledge either an individual or a group who has shown exemplary service to the field of blindness and visual impairment. It encompasses a variety of possible nominees that include, but are not limited to, volunteers, employers and groups that focus on the needs of individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Some examples of possible nominees may include teacher aides, volunteers, local interest groups, employers and local community groups. Consider people and groups who have assisted with fund raising, transcribing, transportation, reading or administrative support. Consider employers who have hired significant numbers of individuals with visual impairments, made major adaptations to a work site, been deeply involved in rehabilitation efforts or, in some way, has risen above the norm. This is a unique recognition award that can honor anyone throughout the state of Ohio who has had a positive influence on our field.AERO Nomination Form
If you know of a co-worker, teacher, volunteer, student or an outstanding individual who you would like to nominate, please download the form below, fill it in and mail it back using the contact information on the form.AERO Awards Nomination Form (in .pdf format)
2009 AERO Award Winners
David H. Newmeyer Scholarship:
- Kathryn Robinson
- Jeffrey Goines
- Jennifer Shumiloff
- Dianne Curry
- Trisha Conklin - Logan County ESC
- Tara McCarthy
- Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired
- Ethan Holliger
- Dan Zink
- Kay Clarke