Annually the JSA of LIS awards several special trophies that celebrate people and programs that are strong role models among the JSA member junior sailing programs.

The JSA special awards are the Brooke Gonzalez, Susie Trotman and Mitchell Weeks trophies for personal excellence, plus the Mary von Conta Award for enhancements at a JSA member program.

Please submit your program’s nominations for the 2024 season using the online survey links below. Nominations may come from sailors, parents and junior program instructors/leaders.

Here are some nominating tips for the JSA special awards:
– Ask yourself, “Who stands out in my mind from 2024 in these categories?”
   *Sportsmanlike sailing in Club 420 and ILCA (all rigs) (Weeks award)
   *Outstanding sailing instruction (Trotman award),
   *Young woman dedicated to the sport of sailing, with outstanding sailing achievements (Gonzalez award)
  *Junior program with exemplary contribution toward improving the quality and safety in the training or instruction of sailors (von Conta award)
– Does a name quickly pop up? Jot it down! Think again for another deserving nominee in a different category.
– Review your club’s junior program awards list for possible nominees. Ask other committee members and experienced instructors to suggest a candidate for each award.
– Keep in mind your nominee’s behavior over the entire season, not just a single regatta or situation.
– In a brief summary of why you believe your nominee deserves the recognition, please include specific examples showing how they meet the criteria for each award. No supporting letters from other sources are needed; just write what you personally know about your nominee. Quality is more important than quantity: a single nomination with a compelling description of how the nominee meets the criteria for a special award will carry more weight than numerous submissions campaigning for a nominee.

Nominations that were received by August 31, 2024, will be reviewed by the JSA during September and the awards will be presented at JSA’s Annual General Meeting in mid-October.

MITCHELL S. WEEKS TROPHY:
This trophy is awarded to junior sailors who are respected for exceptional sportsmanship in the Club 420 (skipper or crew) and ILCA (all rigs) classes. These sailors always use good clean racing and skill, no matter if it’s win, lose or draw, and you’re left thinking they are good people to race against. Use this online link for your nomination.

BROOKE E. GONZALEZ MEMORIAL TROPHY:
This trophy is awarded to a junior woman who demonstrates sportsmanship, exceptional ethical behavior and dedication to the sport of sailing, and outstanding achievement in sailing competition. Use this online link for your nomination.

MARY VON CONTA AWARD:
This award is presented to a JSA member junior program that has made an exemplary contribution toward improving the quality and safety in the training or instruction of sailors.  Self nominations from JSA programs are encouraged. Include description of a specific enhanced existing program, or a new program feature that delivered a significant quality and safety benefit to the members of your program. Use this online link for your nomination. Include a descriptive document that may guide other programs to implement a similar enhancement .

SUSIE TROTMAN TROPHY:
This trophy is awarded to the instructor or coach who has consistently provided outstanding sailing instruction and training.  Use this online link for your nomination.. 

US Sailing Awards:
In addition, US Sailing has its own special awards for individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to the sport of sailing. So consider making nominations on the US Sailing website.