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

Traverso Award
The Traverso Award goes to the member who has shown the most improvement through taking a "never quit” attitude in the last year. This Award is supported by a memorial gift 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. The trip leaders nominate and select the recipient.

Past Recipients:
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

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

Past Recipients:
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

Founders Award
The Founders Award is given to the person deemed by the founding members of the club to have 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.

Past Recipients:
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 little award, which will be presented at the Holiday Party, 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 years recipient select the next years winner.

Past Recipients:
2009 - Lisa Huntington
2008 - Karen Gladstone
2007 - Peter Brady