There are several awards available for members through MNASCOE and NASCOE.  Nomination sheets can now be found online.  Simply go to www.nascoe.org  and click on “awards” for information, on “forms” for the application forms, or “scholarship” on the side of the page.  Eligibility and criteria for all of these awards can be found on the online sight.  Please review those carefully so that the applications are acceptable.   

1)  Scholarship Award:  Area winners receive $1500 and the National recipient receives a $2500 scholarship.  Applications must be received by February 15, 2007 and can be found on-line.  All applications should be sent to Ann Ulwelling at Mower County, 1408 21^st Ave NW, Austin MN 55912.  

2)  Three separate awards are available for Distinguished Service: Service to NASCOE, Service to Agriculture, and Service to the Community.  Fillable nomination forms can be found on-line and submitted to Carol Poppel at Wilkin County. Applications must be received by February 1, 2007.   

3)  Professional Improvement Award applications are also available on-line and should be submitted to Carol Poppel.  This is an ongoing award with no deadlines.  The Professional Improvement Award is not competitive.   

4)  Sick Leave Awards are available to members who have accumulated 1000, 1500, 2000, 2500 or 3000 hours.   A simple e-mail to Carol Poppel at Wilkin County will suffice.  Just put the name and number of hours accumulated.   A person can only receive the award for each level one time.  For instance, if Joe receives a 1000 hour award, then falls below 1000; he cannot receive the 1000 hour award again.   Sick leave awards should be requested by July 1^st. 

5)  Extra Mile Award recognizes NASCOE members or their children for a job well done.  Recognition is given for being an outstanding leader in community, church, or civic organizations.  Applications are online with no submission deadlines. 

6)  The First Timer Award is available to members who have never attended a national convention.  Cash awards of up to $200 are available for attending the national convention and obtaining signatures from the most members.  Applications can be picked up on Thursday morning of the national convention.   

A more detailed description of each award can be found on the NASCOE website.  Questions can be addressed to Carol Poppel at Wilkin County.

MNASCOE has decided to purchase plaques for members at the time of their retirement.  Judy Coplan, Pine County, has found the pictured plaque (7"x9") from a local vendor and can usually have one made within approximately one week.  Please call her at (320) 384-6176 with the pertinent information as soon as possible if you would like to order one of these.