The Outstanding Senior Member Award
Presented annually to Senior members who perform the most outstanding
service and contributions to the Harris Hill Soaring programs, above and
beyond their normal duties and responsibilities.
Year
1979
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
Award Recipient
John E. Gill “Corky”
Isacco Valli
Kenneth J. Swila
Paul H. Everson
John E. Gill “Corky”
Elwin Cramer “Bud”
William Gallagher “Bill”
Pat Ryan
Virginia Schweizer
Dale L. Gustin and Bud Cramer
John Trimber
Clarence See
John Trimber
Gregg Leslie
The Outstanding Senior Member Award cont.
Year
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
Award Recipient
Edward “Ed” Jensen
H. Weissenbuehler Jr.
Roy McMaster and Ed Schwenkler
Sid Zigas and J. Trimble
Tom Cassetta and Jeff Moersch
Stephen Garner
Tom Cassetta
Heinz Weissenbuehler, Jr, and Monty Sullivan
Karin Schlosser
Kai Gertsen
Rodney Hubbard
Janell Sullivan
Josh Burczynski
The Speckman Outstanding Junior Member Award
•
The Outstanding Junior Member Award is presented annually to Junior
members who perform the most outstanding service and contributions
to the Harris Hill Junior's program and HHSC.
•
The Awards Committee will adhere to the following criteria in awarding
the Speckman Award. The Junior member should consistently:
– 1. Be present for their assigned duties.
– 2. Assist with duties when not scheduled (i.e., filling-in).
– 3. Keep their financial standing within the prescribed HHSC limits.
– 4. Contribute above and beyond their normal duties and
responsibilities.
•
The award will be presented at the annual Snowbird Contest banquet.
A trophy with their name on it will be displayed in the showcase in the
flight center, and a $100 stipend will be credited to their accounts.
Speckman Outstanding Junior Member Award cont.
Year
1969
1970
1971
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
Award Recipient
Anne Bywater
Victor Owen
Steven Sliwa
Steven Sliwa
Anne Bothe
David Sliwa & Monty Sullivan
Heinze Weissenbuehler Jr.
Susan Sliwa
David Gardner & David Robbins
Sheldon Hunt &Tomothy Walker
David Gardner
Janel Salva
Shannon Murphy
Eric Golden
Sean Murphy
Frank Manarchik & Ron Russo
Eric Krause
Daniel Gross
Speckman Outstanding Junior Member Award cont.
Year
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
Award Recipient
Thomas Cassetta
Michael Williams
Eric Davenport
John Edwards
Suzanne Beyer
E “Liz” Schwenkler
David Graham
Cindy Williams
David Graham and Steven Lewis
Chris Vrabel and David Pangia
Stephen Garner
David Graham and Steven Lewis
Josh Burczynski
Josh Burczynski
Adam Hay
Gregory Rosplock
Ryan Smith and Nick Wirz
Kevin Kremer
The Bernie Carris Memorial Award
Bernie Carris was a long-time soaring pilot. He was the chief flight
instructor at the Schweizer Aircraft Soaring School and an avid
competition pilot. In 1960 he placed second in the National Soaring
Contest, and in 1963 he lost the national Championship by only six points.
Bernie introduced thousands of people to soaring, and some were quite
famous. To mention a few: Cliff Robertson, Werner Von Braun, Hugh
Downs, and Bob Cullen.
This memorial in his name will be awarded to all HHSC Junior members
who complete the 5 hour leg of their Silver Badge. The Memorial Fund will
pay for the sailplane rental and aero tow flown to complete their flight.
HHSC and FAI rules do apply.
The flight must be a successful FAI approved flight for the Badge leg
attempted. Financial credit will be applied to the pilot's account upon
approval of the flight. The pilots will also be recognized at the annual
Snowbird Contest.
Bernie Carris Memorial Award cont.
Year
Award Recipient
1996
Mark Glauner
1997
Justin Poet and Peter Burdulis
1998
- not awarded -
1999
Josh Burczynski
2000
Nick LaRose
2001
- not awarded -
2002
Samuel Reger
2003
- not awarded -
2004
- not awarded -
The Joseph C. Lincoln Memorial Award
• The Joseph C. Lincoln Memorial Award was established by Harris Hill
Soaring Corporation, Elmira, NY in memory of Joseph C. Lincoln. whose
writings about soaring did so much to get people started in the sport of
soaring. His books, "Soaring for Diamonds”, “On Quiet Wings,” and
"Soaring on the Wind”, as well as the many articles he wrote, are the
inspiration for this award.
• Joe was a major supporter of the National Soaring Museum (NSM) and
soaring in general. His generous contributions to the NSM during the
1970’s made it possible to hire a Director and start construction of a new
building. He also donated two sailplanes to NSM. a Schweizer SGS 2-32
and an SGS 1-23.
• The Harris Hill Soaring Corporation (HHSC), in conjunction with the NSM,
decided to set up the “Lincoln Award” when Joe passed away in May of
1975. Mrs. Dorothy Lincoln-Smith, Joe’s wife, was on hand to help in the
awarding of the first “Lincoln Award” to Jim George for his article “Two Final
Glides.” The award consists of a crystal glass cube with a flying eagle
engraved on it, a 100 dollar stipend and the honor bestowed on the author.
Joseph C. Lincoln Memorial Award cont.
The criteria used to select the winning writing are:
1. Must be interesting.
2. Should be in the style of Joe Lincoln's writing.
3. Should encourage the reader to join in the sport of soaring.
4. Must be published in the English language.
Books, poems, magazine articles, newsletter articles may be submitted.
They must have been published between July 1 of the previous year
through June 30 of the year of the award. Entries should be presented to
the awards committee by October 1st of the year of the award. Names of
the recipients of the award will be announced at the annual Snowbird
Contest Banquet at Harris Hill in November. The actual award will be
presented at the SSA Convention when possible. Some of these works
may be available through the National Soaring Museum's collections.
The Joseph C. Lincoln Memorial Award cont.
Year
1975
1976
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1986
1986
1986
1987
1988
Award Recipient
Title
Jim George
"Two Long Final Glides"
Gren Seibels
"A Gaggle of One" - Book
John Joss
"Sierra Sierra" - Book
(no record)
(no record)
Robert Gray
"Down and Out"
Geraldine Silveira
"Motel 1-26"
Don Santee
"Soaring Colorado Plateau"
Robert Gannon "P.S. Editor Helps Set World Record"
David Harris
"An Ordinary Day at the Field"
Gren Seibels
"After All" - Book
Christopher Woods
"Quiet Challenge" - Movie Script
Roy McMaster "Four on the Floor"
Karl Striedieck "Four on the Floor"
John Seymour "Four on the Floor"
Robby Robertson
"Four on the Floor"
Doug Jacobs
"Benediction"
Paul A. Schweizer
"Wings Like Eagles" - Book
Joseph C. Lincoln Memorial Award cont.
Year
Award Recipient
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
Jack Green
"Sunshine and Shadows of Soaring"
Charlie Spratt "Sailplane Racing News"
Sergio Colacevich "Infinite Flight"
(no record)
(no record)
Billy Hill
"Team Flying and Low Time Race Pilots"
Scott Jenkins
"On Winter's Trail"
Pat Valdata
“Just Like a Hawk”
Paddy Welles
“Gramma Learns to Fly”
Burt Whelan
"Cloud Dancing" - Book
Sanjay Acharaya "Soaring Ashram in the Estrellas"
Paddy Welles
"As Good as it Gets"
Silver Anniversary Michael Bird "Platypus Papers" - Book
Gary Fogel
"Wind and Wings" - Book
William E. Gallagher "The Colditz Cock and the Great Escape Scenario."
- NSM Journal Article
Wallace A. Scott
"The Preparation and Execution of
Long Distance Flights"
2003
Title
Tom Smith Memorial Team Trophy for Snowbird
•
The Tom Smith Memorial Team Trophy for the Snowbird Contest was
arranged by the family of Tom Smith using two kiwi birds he had won at
previous HHSC Snowbird Contests.
•
Tom always enjoyed the Snowbird Contest, to once again fly with his
friends before winter set in. He was always enthusiastic about
promoting team flying. Therefore, this trophy is given in memory of
Tom, and is awarded to the highest placing Family Team in the annual
HHSC Snowbird Contest.
Tom Smith Memorial Team Trophy for Snowbird cont.
Year
Award Recipient
1994
Tim and Paddy Welles
1995
Tim and Paddy Welles
1996
Charles Mampe and Hank Nixon
1997
Kyle Schweizer and Shane Lese
1998
Kyle Schweizer and Shane Lese
1999
Monty and Cory Sullivan
2000
Guerry and Jason Howard
2001
Jim and Warren Cramer
2002
Tim and Andy Wells
2003
= not awarded =
2004
Justin and Roy McMaster
The Christian Jansen Award
•
The Christian Jansen Award is given in honor of Christian Jansen who
was a member of Harris Hill Soaring Corporation in the 1970's and
early 1980's. Christian was a citizen of France and was in the USA on
assignment (Corning, Inc.) for several years. He was an active member
of HHSC, and was especially well known for his many hours spent
flying cross country.
•
Sadly, Christian was killed in a glider accident in Spain about a year
after returning to France.
•
The Christian Jansen Award is awarded annually according to the
following criteria:
•
1) The longest FAI badge flight by an HHSC member from Harris Hill. In
the case of multiple qualifying flights of the same distance, the Awards
Committee will evaluate other factors to determine the winner. These
additional factors may include other FAI Badge flights and other
documented cross country flights.
•
2) From time to time, the Awards Committee may elect to present the
Award for other major cross country achievements by an HHSC
member, such as NY state or World Records.
Christian Jansen Award cont.
Year
Award Recipient
1994
Jason Howard
1995
Liz Schwenkler
1996
Jason Howard
1997
Justin Poet
1998
not awarded
1999
Tim Welles
2000
Tom Cassetta
2001 John Fessenden
2002
2003
2004
Roy McMaster
Ron Waclawik
not awarded
The Joseph R. Scott "Missing Man" Memorial Fund
• The Joseph R. Scott "Missing Man" Memorial Award is presented in honor of all
departed pilots and friends who have experienced the thrills and wonders of
soaring flight. The proceeds of this Fund will be used to support the Junior
members of Harris Hill Soaring Corporation, so that we may re-seed the skies with
replacement soaring pilots.
• All HHSC Junior members are eligible. The Fund will pay for the approved flight
which accomplishes the requirements for the FAI Altitude and Distance legs of the
FAI Silver Badge, per FAI requirements. Documented proof must be submitted to
the Fund Committee prior to November 1st of the year of the flight.
Joseph R. Scott "Missing Man" Memorial Fund cont.
Year
1996
1997
1998
1999
Award Recipient
Steve Lewis
Justin Poet
- not awarded - not awarded -
2000
- not awarded -
2001
2002
2003
- not awarded - not awarded - not awarded -
2004
- not awarded -
Hugh Whitney Award
•
•
•
Since 1978 the NSM has annually presented a scholarship in Hugh
Whitney’s name. Hugh was Paul Schweizers’s crew chief at the 1952
World Championships in Spain; the United States Championships in
England; the United States team manager for the 1963 World
Championships in Argentina.
Hugh fell in love with soaring at an early age. He earned his “C” badge
#190 in 1952 with a flight to Binghamton in a Schweizer 2-22. Hugh
graduated from Cornell with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in
1955. He died of cancer in October 1968. Hugh’s parents, the late
Maurice and Isabel Whitney of Elmira, were also long time patrons of
soaring at Harris Hill.
The scholarship was established by Hugh’s childhood friend Doug
Bruce in 1978 for all those who have a lifetime commitment to soaring.
It is hoped recipients of the award have the same love of soaring as
Hugh and have the same motivation and opportunity to pursue the
sport.
Hugh Whitney Memorial Scholarship Award
Recipients
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
Andrew Frechtling
Elwin Cramer
Paul Detwiler and Susan Sliwa
Tim Walker
Michael Murphy
No Award
Terry Wheat
Tony Spycher
Linda Downie
Dorianne Scriven
Thomas Cassetta
Hugh Caffey
Jason Kirk
Michael Snyder
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
Gregg Leslie
Michael Snyder
Josh Powers
Steve Garner
Steve Garner
Elizabeth Schwenkler
Diana Winebold
Mark Doyle
Jim Webb
Elizabeth Brock
Joel Carberry
Steve DeMartino
Todd Knapp
Gross Award
•
•
•
Dr. Frank Gross believes that the future of soaring lies in its youth, so
he created the Gross Sky Ghost Youth Achievement Award in 1991.
The Award recognizes the accomplishments of youth up to age 19 who
are working to become sailplane pilots.
Dr. Gross wants to assist young glider pilots in their careers with this
award. In years to come he sees the results as being a greater
recognition of the sport of soaring.
The Youth Achievement Awards are being given annually to a Harris
Hill Junior member and a National Soaring Society of America Student
member. The award includes a $500.00 scholarship to further the
recipient’ soaring and aviation career or avocation. A plaque in the NSM
lists the recipients.
Gross Award Award Recipients
1991 HH David R. Graham
Natl Kurt Asdal
1992 HH Steven Lewis
Natl Margarita Brito
Frederick G. Ernsting
1993 HH No Recipient
Natl David Graham
Shanon G. Udd
1994 HH Elizabeth Schwenkler
Natl Kelly Sargent
Tim Liprie
1995 HH Cindy Williams
Natl Shauna Hodgins
Nathan Moloy
1996 - Mark Glauner
1997 - Justin Poet
1998 - Josh Burczynski
1999 - Michael Rought
2000 - Todd Knapp
2001 - Ryan Smith
2002 - Anthony Brayer
2003 - no award
2004 - Nick Wirz
Tom Smith Memorial Trophy for Region III
•
The Tom Smith Memorial Trophy for Region III is awarded to the most
improved pilot comparing the first day's placing to the final overall
placing at the Region III contest. The Smith family feels that this type of
award best exemplifies the pattern that Tom flew as a contestant.
•
Tom was a member of Harris Hill Soaring Corporation for forty years,
and took an active part in promoting soaring and competitive flying. A
heart attack at a Region III contest took his life in 1988, so it is fitting
that the family chose the painting of Harris Hill to symbolize a special
place in Tom's life. The painting was created by a close friend of the
family.
Tom Smith Memorial Trophy for Region III cont.
Year
Award Recipient
1989
David Welles
1990
Marie Pirone
1991
Jonathan Gere
1992
Rick Laffford
1993
= none =
1994
Tim Mara
1995
Tim Welles
1996
Liz Schwenkler
1997
Ken Kurchinski
1998
Ed Winchester
Trophy has been retired
Other 2005 H.H.S.C. Achievements
Andy Brayer
Debbie Burgess
Joel Carberry
Jerry Carlton
Bob Davenport
Steve Dimartino
Brian Doane
Ken Doyle
Mark Doyle
Nikolay Filipou
Ed Funk
Adam Hay
Todd Knapp
Nathan Kramer
Kevin Kremer
Mike McCann
Skip Shaw
Ryan Smith
Corey Sullivan
Randy Thibeault
Mark VanDyke
Jim Webb
Nicholas Wirz
Ewe Zink
Bronze, Silver C, Private Pilot
A,B,C
B,C, Bronze
A, New Solo
A,B,C
A,B,C
A,B,C, New Solo
A,B New Solo
A,B,C
A,B,C, Bronze Badge, Silver Badge, Private Pilot
A,B,C New Solo, Private Pilot
A,B,C
A,B,C. Bronze Badge, Commercial
Bronze Badge
A,B,C
A,B,C, New Solo
A, New Solo
Bronze Badge, Commercial
Silver C, Private Pilot
A,B,C
A, New Solo
A,B,C
A,B,C, Private Pilot
A,B,C, New Solo