GaAER Awards
Please consider nominating a GaAER Member for one of our awards which will be announced at our 2023 Conference!
See below for information on each award and past winners!
Rookie of the Year Award
Must be a member of the Georgia AER
Has demonstrated a professional commitment through continued staff development and training
Has worked collaboratively with other professionals in order to provide quality service to their clients and/or students
Has worked collaboratively with families to provide outstanding services while promoting independence for their clients and/or students
Is within the first five years of service to the field of visual impairments
Rookie of the Year Recipients:
2003 Lee Ellen Whitefield
2004 Nicole Ashley
2005 Marsha Farrow
2007 Rebecca Bartels
Professional Achievement Award
Works well with peers and administrators
Seeks to work with related agencies
Displays and shares a working knowledge of methods and techniques for working with individuals with visual impairments
Displays creativity in working with clients and/or students
Provides or participates in professional development in current issues and practices within the field
Demonstrates commitment through participation in civic involvement to promote the independence and/or rights of individuals with visual impairments
Professional Achievement Award Recipients
1998 Annie Maxwell
1999 Emmie Faye Mullis
2002 Kay McGill
2003 Marie Amerson
2004 Dr. Robert Crouse
2005 Paul Whitten
2007 Mary Phagan Kean
Employer of the Year Award
Awarded to a company that has promoted employment for individuals with visual impairments
A letter of nomination and supporting letter from someone who has worked directly with the company
Employer of the Year Recipients:
1999 Lockheed Martin Aeronautical Systems
2003 Coca-Cola of North America
2004 Air Tran
2005 Marriott Global Reservations and Sales
2007 United States Food and Drug Administration
Bennett Baxley Merit Award
Awarded specifically to a committed and active member of Georgia Chapter AER for outstanding work and dedication in enhancing and improving the chapter Example of activities: Obtaining new members; contributions towards fundraising; attends Board meetings; attends national or international conferences
Bennett Baxley Award Recipients:
1998 Jennifer Ganton
1999 Penny McMillen
2000 Nancy Parkin-Beshizi
2002 Joan Lentz
2003 Kathy Chappell-Cook
2004 Suzan Patillo
2005 Wendy Sapp
2007 Linda Williams
2020 Carmen Willings