NJAWR Awards for Achievement in Wildlife Rehabilitation
The New Jersey Association of Wildlife Rehabilitators (NJAWR) welcomes nominations for three awards to recognize members of the state’s wildlife rehabilitation community for their outstanding contributions to the field: the NJAWR Lifetime Achievement Award, the NJAWR Rising Star Award and the NJAWR Distinguished Service Award.
**Nominees need not be members of NJAWR to qualify.
The NJAWR Lifetime Achievement Award is given to recognize and honor an individual who has made a significant, longtime personal and professional commitment to wildlife rehabilitation and has made a major contribution to the field in our state or region for many years.
Past Lifetime Achievement Awardees: Jeanne Woodford, Hannah Suthers, Len Soucy, Karen Dashfield, Tracy Leaver, Vicki Schmidt, Diane Nickerson, Cathy Malok, Giselle Chazotte Smisko, Jackie Kashmer, Jane Rakos-Yates
The NJAWR Rising Star Award is given to recognize and encourage an individual who has demonstrated significant dedication, engagement, and promise as a relatively new member of the wildlife rehabilitation community in our state or region.
Past Rising Star Awardees: Lori Swanson, Amy Shivers, Nicole Golden, Katy Bungay, Heather Freeman, Melissa Anahory, Adriana Manchen, Heather Evans, Kelsey Lawler, Jenna Black, Melody Kramm, Ally Reagle
The NJAWR Distinguished Service Award recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to wildlife rehabilitation in New Jersey or the surrounding region. This prestigious honor celebrates those who have demonstrated outstanding dedication, innovation, or impact in advancing wildlife rehabilitation practices, education, or advocacy. Recipients of this award have shown remarkable commitment to the welfare of wildlife through their service, whether through clinical excellence, mentorship, public education, or other significant contributions to the field.
Winners will be announced at the NJAWR Annual Meeting in January 2027.
Please fill out the new online NJAWR Awards Nomination Form below to nominate someone for one of these awards.
Alternatively, to nominate someone for one of these awards, you may fill out and return the completed NJAWR Award Nomination Form by email to: membership@njawr.com.
All nominations must be received by November 7th, 2026.