Application Process

The application process has four phases: (1) local nominations, (2) local program selection, (3) state association selection, and (4) regional association selection.  At the conclusion of each phase, the most competitive applicants will continue in the process.  The Chairperson of the RIVHSA Awards and Scholarships Committee will notify grantees and state associations upon their nominee’s selection as a regional award or scholarship recipient.

Local Program:  When nominating candidates for an award or scholarship, local programs must meet the following qualifications of membership: (1) their state association must be a member in good standing with RIVHSA, (2) be an agency member in good standing with their respective state association, and (3) be an agency member in good standing with RIVHSA. 

Local programs should contact their state association for state deadlines (See directory of state associations on page 36).  Applications submitted on incorrect forms will not be considered at the state or regional level. 

Local programs are responsible for all expenses related to the application process or the attendance of recipients or nominees at the annual awards gala (i.e. entrance ticket, lodging, per diem, transportation).  RIVHSA is not responsible for any expenses.  

Local programs with regional recipients must provide RIVHSA with a high-resolution digital picture (2x3) by January 5^th for inclusion in the awards gala program.  Send digital files to Frances Starr at fstarr@rivhsa.org.  

State Association:  Presidents are asked to designate a representative for the selection of award and scholarship nominees to ensure that all applications are processed and submitted in a timely manner for competition at the regional level.  State nominees submitted to RIVHSA will compete at the regional level only.  Regional winners will not be forwarded for national competition.  Local programs and state associations will be promptly notified should this policy change.  

Applications submitted on incorrect forms will not be considered at the state or regional level. 

Applications that arrive without a complete Regional Confirmation Form will not be accepted.

State associations must submit all state nominees to RIVHSA by October 15, 2010.   Please send the original and 3 complete copies of each state nominee to:

M. Juanita Heinzen, Chair

RIVHSA Awards/Scholarship Committee

c/o Pinellas County Head Start/EHS

2210 Tall Pines, Suite 200

Largo, FL 33771

Award Rotation

The following awards are rotated annually to recognize every work area within the program:

 Administrator of the Year Award

(2012) Grantee Executive Director 

(2013) Head Start/Early Head Start Center Director  

 Staff of the Year Award

(2012) Early Childhood Development and Health Professional with emphasis on Mental Health Services

(2013) Transition Specialist

Support Staff of the Year Award

(2012) Teacher’s Assistant

(2013) Technology Specialist

 Awards Gala

We will celebrate the contributions and achievements of regional award and scholarship recipients at our annual gala event: 

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Awards and Scholarships Gala

Atlanta Hilton (255 Courtland Street NE)

Atlanta, Georgia 30303

 Advance purchase is required.

The designated attire for this event is semi-formal.

This event is held in conjunction with our annual conference, and admission for the gala is included in conference registration.  Event tickets are available for those wishing to attend the gala only.  RIVHSA is not responsible for expenses related to attendance at the gala by regional nominees or recipients.

Click here to view/print the 2010-11 Awards and Scholarship Brochure