The ARRL invites nominations for the 2008 Hiram Percy Maxim Memorial Award. The League's premier youth recognition, the Hiram Percy Maxim Memorial Award is awarded annually to a radio amateur under age 21 in recognition of the recipient's accomplishments and contributions "of the most exemplary nature" to both the Amateur Radio community and the local community during the previous calendar year -- 2008 in this instance.

Nomination criteria may include:

•  Participation or leadership in organizational affairs at the local or national level (for example: Local radio club, ARES®, Net control or participation in civic groups).

•  Technical achievement (for example: Building a radio or putting up an antenna).

•  Operating record (for example: Nets, disaster drills, contests or Sweepstakes).

•  Recruitment and training of new amateurs (for example: Helping to teach a license class or Jamboree on the Air).

•  Public relations activities (for example: Creating a ham radio Web page).

All information -- including the nomination form, supporting information, endorsement of ARRL-affiliated clubs and elected or appointed League leadership officials -- should be submitted with the nomination to your ARRL Section Manager. In keeping with the tradition of the award when it was first established, formal nominations are made by Section Managers. Please make your Section Manager aware of young hams who have distinguished themselves through their activities. A Section Manager may nominate more than one person per year. All nominations shall be forwarded to the Membership and Volunteer Programs Department. An award panel will review the nominations received and select the winner. The prize consists of a cash award of $1500 and a suitably engraved plaque. ARRL representatives will endeavor to make a formal presentation of the plaque at a mutually agreed upon ARRL convention or event.

Nomination forms and support information should document as thoroughly as possible the nominee's Amateur Radio achievements and contributions during the previous calendar year. Additional information concerning the accomplishments and activities of the nominee should be as complete as possible.

The award is intended to provide a tangible reward to those deserving young amateurs who daily contribute their time, skills and energies 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. We must continue to recognize and encourage their hard work and contributions at every opportunity.

Nomination forms and support information must be sent to the Section Manager. Section Managers will make the formal nomination by sending the form and information to ARRL before March 31. All additional support information must be received at ARRL on or before April 15.

There is no limit to the number of nominations an individual or club may submit to the ARRL Section Manager. For more information, contact Steve Ewald, WV1X, via e-mail or by phone at 860-594-0265.