At their 2010 Second Meeting, the ARRL Board of Directors selected Emily Bishop, WE4MB, of Cleveland, Tennessee, as the recipient of the 2009 Hiram Percy Maxim Award. This award is given annually to a radio amateur -- who is also a current ARRL member -- under the age of 21. In order to be considered for the award, the recipient’s accomplishments and contributions to both the community of Amateur Radio and the local community are of the most exemplary nature.

Bishop attended the W4DXCC event -- sponsored by Southeastern DX and Contesting Organization (SEDCO) -- on September 24-25 in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, where ARRL Delta Division Director Mickey Cox, K5MC, and Delta Division Vice Director David Norris, K5UZ, presented her with the award certificate and a $1500 check. She also received a Ten-Tec kit, courtesy of David Bower, K4PZT, and the Southwest Ohio DX Association.

“The entire W4DXCC banquet congratulated Emily for an outstanding job of helping others -- both young and old -- in our wonderful world of Amateur Radio,” said SEDCO founder Lynn Lamb, W4NL. “We wish Emily ‘continued good luck’ in helping others, as it’s a great part of our ‘sport.’”

The Hiram Percy Maxim Award is intended to provide a tangible reward to those deserving young amateurs who contribute their time, skills and energies daily through their commitment to Amateur Radio. As models for their peers, and inspirations to us all, these fine young people are highly visible boosters of Amateur Radio awareness. The ARRL continues to recognize and encourage their hard work and contributions at every opportunity.