The following are honors and awards selected by MSHA and are presented at the Annual MSHA Convention in the spring of each year.
Outstanding Clinician Award
Outstanding Clinician Checklist
This award recognizes demonstrated contributions in the advancement of knowledge in clinical practice in speech-language pathology or audiology.
The recipient will be chosen for advancement of knowledge in their practice as evidenced by significant recent accomplishments within the past three years in speech-language pathology or audiology. Some activities or accomplishments might include:
- Achievement with a single client or group of clients.
- Service programming & program development.
- Achievement in a state or local organization or government agency activity.
- Teaching/presentations, research, or administration. (Nominees are not limited to any particular type of achievement or activity.)
The nominee and the nominator must be a current member of MSHA and past nominees are eligible.
Honors of the Association
This award recognizes exceptional and extraordinary contributions to the field of speech, language and hearing, and is the highest honor that the Association can give.
The recipient will be chosen for advancement of knowledge in their practice as evidenced by significant recent accomplishments within the past three years in speech-language pathology or audiology. Some activities or accomplishments might include:
- Achievement with a single client or group of clients.
- Service programming & program development.
- Achievement in a state or local organization or government agency activity.
- Teaching/presentations, research, or administration. (Nominees are not limited to any particular type of achievement or activity.)
The recipient must display concrete evidence of contributions, clinical service, clinical research or any other activity which has promoted excellence in clinical service over a fifteen year or longer period.
The nominee and the nominator must be a current member of MSHA and past nominees are eligible.
Outstanding Special Education Administrator
Outstanding Special Education Administrator Checklist
This award recognizes a Special Education Administrator who has provided outstanding leadership and support for the speech-language-hearing staff and who consistently strives to improve and enhance the services provided to communicatively-impaired students.
The recipient will be chosen for advancement of knowledge in their practice as evidenced by significant recent accomplishment within the past three years. Some activities or accomplishment might include:
- Achievement with a single client or group of clients.
- Service programming and program development.
- Achievement in a state or local organization or government agency activity.
- Teaching/presentations, research or administration. (Nominees are not limited to any particular type of achievement or activity.)
The recipient must demonstrate skills in providing outstanding leadership and support for the speech-language-hearing staff and consistently strives to improve and enhance the services provided to communicatively impaired students.
The nominator must be a MSHA member.
Outstanding Audiology Graduate Student
Outstanding Graduate Student Checklist
This award shall be made to a full-time student in audiology or deaf education who has shown superior and outstanding academic achievement and who exhibits excellent professional promise. The nominee must be a professional entry level degree (i.e., AuD) student at an accredited college or university in the state of Missouri at least through December.
Documentation to accompany nominations should include:
- A sponsor’s letter outlining the reasons the nominee should be considered for the award.
- At least three letters from those familiar with the nominee’s achievements and abilities.
- A scholarly abstract written by the nominee as a class project or term paper, one or more chapters of a thesis, or a similar project.
The award criteria will be weighed accordingly:
- Academic Achievement – 20%
- Scholarship (including, but not limited to written paper, thesis, special project, presentation) – 20%
- Clinical Skills – 20%
- Community/University/Leadership Service – 20%
- Support as demonstrated through recommendations – 20%
Outstanding Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Student
Outstanding Graduate Student Checklist
This award shall be made to a full-time student in speech-language pathology who has shown superior and outstanding academic achievement and who exhibits excellent professional promise. The nominee must be a professional entry level degree (i.e., MA, MS) student at an accredited college or university in the state of Missouri at least through December.
Documentation to accompany nominations should include:
- A sponsor’s letter outlining the reasons the nominee should be considered for the award.
- At least three letters from those familiar with the nominee’s achievements and abilities.
- A scholarly abstract written by the nominee as a class project or term paper, one or more chapters of a thesis, or a similar project.
The award criteria will be weighed accordingly:
- Academic Achievement – 20%
- Scholarship (including, but not limited to written paper, thesis, special project, presentation) – 20%
- Clinical Skills – 20%
- Community/University/Leadership Service – 20%
- Support as demonstrated through recommendations – 20%
Procedure for Nomination – All Awards:
The following information should be submitted in this order:
- Completed nomination form.
- Rationale for nomination:
- Identification and description of the outstanding achievement with information of when and where the specific achievement(s) took place.
- Description of the significance of the recent achievement.
- Explanation of how the nominee ’s actions have advanced knowledge in the area of their practice.
- Explanation of the nominee ’s role in the achievement.
- At least three statements to support the nomination from speech-language pathologists, audiologists, or related professionals and from recipients of services (or their parents) where appropriate.
- Nominee’s resume.
- Good quality colored photograph.
*Mere listing of activities or opinions not supported with facts and evidence will not be considered.
The sponsor should not be a member of the MSHA Executive Board or the Honors Committee. A nominee should not be informed of his or her nomination (except the outstanding graduate student).
Submission Format
Material in support of a nominee should be typed, single-spaced, and pages should not exceed 10 pages, including any letters of support.
Submissions accepted November 15 thru January 31. No exceptions or extensions will be permitted.