Home

OAD Awards

History of the O.A.D. Awards

In 2005, at the 24th Biennial O.A.D. Conference, the Ohio Association of the Deaf, Inc. honored five O.A.D. members, Dick Petkovich, Harvey Katz, Minnie Hawk, Alvin Hawk, and Robert Lankenau, for their commitment and loyalty to the O.A.D. organization. Mr. Petkovich was a true champion of Deaf rights and served as O.A.D president. His lobbying efforts broke down many barriers for the Ohio Deaf Community. Harvey Katz was a caring leader and a staunch supporter of Deaf rights in the Ohio Community for many years. His achievements included setting up workshops for educational, social, individual and interpreting awareness. Minnie and Alvin Hawk helped increase O.A.D. membership and created projects to improve O.A.D.’s image and reputation. Finally, Robert Lankenau’s loyalty and commitment to the O.A.D. was demonstrated by his more than 30 years of services, during which he served on many boards at the state and national level, and acted as a mentor to many young leaders. He also created new O.A.D. projects, and trained many hearing professionals on Deaf issues and the use of the TTY.

To maintain the memory of these members’ spirit, works, and many years of participation, six permanent award categories were created. These are:

OAD Awards at OAD Conference

Awards Recipients

The “Dick Petkovich Recognition Award”

This award will be presented to an individual who has been a faithful officer in the State of Ohio and is involved in various projects or services to improve the quality of life of deaf/hard of hearing people in Ohio Community.

Please join with us in remembering these past leaders and in recognizing this year’s recipients!

2007 – Dick Petkovich *

The “Harvey Katz Advocate Award”

The recipient of this award will be recognized for his/her outstanding achievement as an advocate for the Deaf Community.

 

Please join with us in remembering these past leaders and in recognizing this year’s recipients!

2007 – Harvey Katz*

The “Minnie Hawk Spirit of OAD Award”

The Minnie Hawk Spirit of OAD Award will be presented to the individual(s) who carry the Spirit of the OAD in the State of Ohio through his/her work for many years.

Please join with us in remembering these past leaders and in recognizing this year’s recipients!

2007 - Minnie Hawk

2009 – Benjamin Hall

The “Alvin Hawk Award”

The Alvin Hawk Award will be presented to the individual(s) who has volunteered his/her time and talent to the Deaf Community in the State of Ohio.

Please join with us in remembering these past leaders and in recognizing this year’s recipients!

2007 – Alvin Hawk *

The “Robert Lankenau Memorial Award”

The Robert Lankenau Memorial award will be presented to an individual who has made a significant contribution in the Deaf Community.

Please join with us in remembering these past leaders and in recognizing this year’s recipients!

2007 – Robert Lankenau*

Teacher Recognition Award

The Teacher Recognition Award is presented to an individual recognized for his /her outstanding service to the school community. This individual is recognized as a visionary leader who inspires and motivate students to make academic goals to become productive citizens in society.

Please join with us in remembering these past leaders and in recognizing this year’s recipients!

2011 – Nancy (Johnson) Resh *

Recognition and Appreciation of Contribution

The Recognition and Appreciation of Contribution Award is presented to an individual whose achievements are a source of pride and inspiration to the Deaf and Hearing Communities. This individual is recognized for his/her outstanding leadership and wisdom by motivating young deaf leaders to make a difference in community by doing community service in one's professional field.

Please join with us in remembering these past leaders and in recognizing this year’s recipients!

2011 – Edward Corbett, Jr., Ph.D. *

*Deceased

OAD Awards at OAD Mini Conference

Who is qualified to get an award?: Anyone you know that deserves recognition for making
a difference in the Ohio Deaf Community. Fill out the nomination form.

 

Awards: Each award has guidelines to help you nominate someone for an award. Using those guidelines, the award committee will send award finalists to the OAD Board Members for their review and approval. Guidelines and forms are on the OAD website.

Awards Guideline

OAD Service Recognition

This award is presented to an individual who establishes funds for OAD and the Deaf Community for the purpose of raising money for useful causes.

OAD Contribution Award

This award is presented to an individual(s) who contributes his/her time to the OAD and the Deaf Community. This individual may be a member or non-member of OAD.

OAD Contribution Research

This award is presented to an individual who has done research studies on the history of OAD and is recognized for doing further work to increase public awareness on new developments in the Ohio Deaf Community.

OAD Public Relations Recognition

This award is presented to an individual who has volunteered his / her time sending out press releases related to deaf news from the U.S. and abroad. Also, for devoting his / her time working on the web pages.

OAD Special Events Recognition

This award is presented to an individual(s) who demonstrates ability to make a major event successful for the OAD and the Deaf Community. Guidelines of this award are reviewed and approved at the OAD Mini Conference.