NIAAA Recognition
Award of Merit
Distinguished Service
Presented on an annual basis to an NIAAA member in each state in recognition of meritorious service, leadership and special contributions to interscholastic athletics at the local and state level.
Presented to a limited number of individuals each year in recognition of their length of service, special accomplishments and contributions to athletic administration at the local, state and national levels. States may nominate NIAAA members or individuals from outside the field of athletic administration.
NFHS Citation
Frank Kovaleski Professional Development
Presented to athletic administrators who have made significant contributions to the NFHS and/or other national organizations which have impacted high school activities.
Among the factors which are considered:
• Individual has a long-standing and distinguished record of involvement with high school activities programs at the local and state levels.
• Individual is recognized as among the best in their profession by their colleagues.
This award was established by the NIAAA Board of Directors at the recommendation of the Awards Committee in 2007. It is presented annually to a recipient who most possesses and has contributed to the vision of Professional Development – the legacy of Frank Kovaleski. Frank was instrumental in the creation of the Leadership Training Institute of the NIAAA. The Frank Kovaleski Award is presented annually to an NIAAA member who has made significant contributions and demonstrated excellence in the area of professional development at both the state and national levels.
NIAAA Hall of Fame
The NIAAA Hall of Fame was created to honor retired Athletic Administrators who had exemplary careers in athletic administration both prior to as well as after the formation of the NIAAA. Selection to the NIAAA Athletic Administrators Hall of Fame is a four step process including nomination, screened by the Hall of Fame Screening Committee, rated by the NIAAA Selection Committee and finally, the NIAAA Board of Directors selects those individuals to be inducted.
2024 NIAAA Awards
NIAAA State Award of Merit – Kelli Hutchinson – Henry County
NIAAA Distinguished Service Award Nominee – Dr. Robin Hines – GHSA
NFHS Citation Award Nominee – Joe Sanfilippo – GADA
Frank Kovaleski Professional Development Award Nominee – Kevin Grooms – Bibb County Schools
NIAAA Hall of Fame Nominee – Carter Wilson – GADA
2023 NIAAA Awards
NIAAA Award of Merit- Dr Mekia Troy – Creekside High School
NIAA Distinguished Service Award– Dexter Wood – Buford High School
NFHS Citation Award– Joe Sanfilippo – Retired
Frank Kovaleski Professional Development Award– Don Baker – Cobb County Schools
NIAAA Hall of Fame Nomination– Tommy Marshall – GIAA
2022 NIAAA Awards
NIAAA State Award of Merit – Corrie Collier – Atlanta Public Schools
NIAAA Distinguished Service Award Nominee – Mike Phillips Gwinnett Co Schools
NFHS Citation Award Nominee – Don Corr – GHSA
Frank Kovaleski Professional Development Award Nominee – Ricky Turner – Blessed Trinity
NIAAA Hall of Fame Nominee Carter Wilson (retired)
2021 NIAAA Awards
NIAAA State Award of Merit – Tommy Marshall – Marist School
NIAAA Distinguished Service Award Nominee – Lamar Glenn – South Paulding
NFHS Citation Award Nominee – Kelli Smith – Henry County
Frank Kovaleski Professional Development Award Nominee – Brett Phipps – West Forsyth
NIAAA Hall of Fame Nominee – Jerry Cauley (retired)
NIAAA Hall of Fame Nominee – Phil Jones Family (retired)
NIAAA Hall of Fame Nominee – Bill Henderson Family (retired)
NIAAA Hall of Fame Nominee – Charlie Jordan (retired)
NIAAA Hall of Fame Nominee – Wallace Davis (retired)
2020 NIAAA Awards
NIAAA State Award of Merit – Kandice Mitchell – Atlanta Public Schools
NIAAA Distinguished Service Award Nominee – Josh Mathews – Pope
NFHS Citation Award Nominee – Curt Miller – Henry County Schools
Frank Kovaleski Professional Development Award Nominee – Curt Miller – Henry County Schools
NIAAA Hall of Fame Nominee – Bob Ward (retired)
2019 NIAAA Awards
NIAAA State Award of Merit – Nathan Turner – Forsyth County
NIAAA Distinguished Service Award Nominee – Dave Odom – St. Vincent’s Academy
NFHS Citation Award Nominee – Jasper Jewell – Atlanta Public Schools
Frank Kovaleski Professional Development Award Nominee – Curt Miller – Henry County Schools
NIAAA Hall of Fame Nominee – Bob Ward (retired)
2018 NIAAA Awards
NIAAA State Award of Merit – Dr. Curt Miller – Henry County Schools
NIAAA Distinguished Service Award Nominee – Jasper Jewell – Atlanta Public Schools
NFHS Citation Award Nominee – Ruth Donahoo – Holy Innocents’
Frank Kovaleski Professional Development Award Nominee – Nathan Turner – Forsyth County Schools
NIAAA Hall of Fame Nominee – Bob Ward (retired)
2017 NIAAA Awards
NIAAA State Award of Merit – Jasper Jewell – Atlanta Public Schools
NIAAA Distinguished Service Award Nominee – Ruth Donahoo – Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School
NFHS Citation Award Nominee – Nathan Turner – Forsyth County
Frank Kovaleski Professional Development Award Nominee – Gary Long – Mill Creek
NIAAA Hall of Fame Nominee – Bob Ward (retired)
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