2023 NSS Award Winners

2023 NSS Award Winners

Held on June 30th, 2023 in Elkins, West Virginia, the 2023 NSS Awards Banquet capped off yet another fantastic annual convention. The society recognized the following individuals for their contributions to the society and caving in general:

Linda Devine

NSS 18440
2023 William J Stephenson Outstanding Service Award Winner

The William J. Stephenson Outstanding Service Award recognizes a single individual for their service to the NSS and its goals.

Linda Devine 2023 Stephenson Award Winner - 📷 R. Maurer
Linda Devine 2023 Stephenson Award Winner - 📷 R. Maurer
Dr. James Lamoreaux - 2023 NSS Honorary Member Award Winner - 📷 R. Maurer
Dr. James Lamoreaux - 2023 NSS Honorary Member Award Winner - 📷 R. Maurer

Dr. James Lamoreaux

NSS 72479
2023 Honorary Member Award

The Honorary Member award recognizes outstanding contributions to the field of speleology. 

Mike Ficco & Ben Schwartz

NSS 30728 & 32206
2023 Lew Bicking Award Winners

The Lew Bicking Award recognizes individuals for their dedication to cave exploration. It is the highest exploration-focused honor the NSS bestows. 

Ben Schwartz - 2023 NSS Lew Bicking Award Winner - 📷 R. Maurer
Ben Schwartz - 2023 NSS Lew Bicking Award Winner - 📷 R. Maurer
James Currens - NSS Science Award Winner - 📷 R. Maurer
James Currens - NSS Science Award Winner - 📷 R. Maurer

James Currens

NSS 13110
2023 Science Award Winner

Awarded to those who have exhibited outstanding dedication to the scientific study of caves.

Donald G. Davis

NSS 4956
2023 Spelean Arts & Letters Award Winner

Awarded to those who have made exceptional contributions to cave related works in the Arts & Letters. 

Donald Davis - Spelean Arts & Letters Award Winner
Donald Davis - Spelean Arts & Letters Award Winner
Mike Moser - Schmidt Conservation Award - 📷 R. Maurer
Mike Moser - Schmidt Conservation Award - 📷 R. Maurer

Mike Moser

NSS 22223
2023 Victor A. Schmidt Conservation Award Winner

The Honorary Member award recognizes outstanding contributions to the field of speleology. 

Carol Belski

NSS 9249
2023 Certificate of Merit Winner

Presented for a recent accomplishment in cave exploration, study, or conservation.

Carol Belski - 2023 Certificate of Merit Winner - 📷 R. Maurer
Carol Belski - 2023 Certificate of Merit Winner - 📷 R. Maurer
James Carden - James Mitchell Award Winner - 📷 R. Maurer
James Carden - James Mitchell Award Winner - 📷 R. Maurer

Max Koether

NSS 72420
2023 James G. Mitchell Award

Given for the best scientific paper presented at the NSS Convention.

Bill Torode

NSS 5013
2023 Peter M. Hauer Award Winner

Awarded to individuals engaged in an outstanding spelean history or research project.

Bill-Torode
Anmar Mirza - Steve Hudson Award Winner - 📷 R. Maurer
Anmar Mirza - Steve Hudson Award Winner - 📷 R. Maurer

Anmar Mirza

NSS 45765
2023 Steve Hudson Award Winner

Recognizing a person or persons who have made exceptional contributions to cave rescue.

Phil & Charlotte Lucas

2023 Outstanding Landowner-Caver Relations Award Winners

Given to landowners or land managers whose efforts have been exemplary in supporting cavers.

Phil & Charlotte Lucas - Landowner Relations Award Winners - 📷 Y. Droms
Phil & Charlotte Lucas - Landowner Relations Award Winners - 📷 Y. Droms
2023 NSS Fellows Award Winners (Left to Right: J. Goben, K. Barge, G. Barge, K. Lassiter) - 📷 R. Maurer
2023 NSS Fellows Award Winners (Left to Right: J. Goben, K. Barge, G. Barge, K. Lassiter) - 📷 R. Maurer
2023 NSS Fellows

Fellows are members who have exemplified by their actions their dedication to the NSS.

George Bange NSS 37635
Karen Bange NSS 37636
Terry Bolger NSS 22932
Mary Alice Chester NSS 8379
Bill Devan NSS 37500
Jeff Goben NSS 47264
Peter Johnson NSS 62728
Kyle Lassiter NSS 58423
Greg McNamara NSS 20250
Chris Pelczarski NSS 65030
Knutt Peterson NSS 56790
Savannah Sawyer NSS 63912

2023 President's Certificates of Appreciation

Given to individuals identified by the NSS President in appreciation for their efforts & work on behalf of the society.

Dave Bunnell NSS 14760
Tony Canike NSS 44230
Garrett Czmor NSS 22709
Marcy Diamond NSS 71024
Riley Drake NSS 69246
Dean Faust NSS 70611
Pete Johnson NSS 62728
Colin Keeler NSS 70944
Chris Pelczarski NSS 65030
Scott Shaw NSS 30571
John 'Rocco' Stembel NSS 25837
Ed Strausser NSS 14719
Michelle Vaughn NSS 55064
Adam Weaver NSS 62352

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