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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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
