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Spelean Arts and Letters Award

Spelean Arts and Letters Award annually recognizes one, or a pair of, NSS members who, over time, have advanced spelean arts and letters by significant artistic expression, management, or criticism. Names of candidates will be solicited by the Awards Committee, and the recipient will be approved by the Board of Governors upon recommendation of the Awards Committee. The recipient must have been a member in good standing of the Society for at least two years immediately prior to his or her name being submitted as a candidate. The Awards Committee shall give preference to candidates who have not received the Outstanding Service Award or Honorary Membership.

Past Recipients

Tips to Writing a Good Nomination

The Spelean Arts and Letters Award is for people who have made significant contributions to caving through significant expression, management or criticism.  The nominee must be an NSS member for at least the past two years. Strong preference will be given to nominees who have not received the NSS Honorary Member or Outstanding Service awards (if you're not sure, check next to the person's name in your NSS Members Manual).

Your nomination letter should include details of the nominee's contribution to cave literature, art, expression, etc. Please do not assume that "everyone" knows your nominee and your nominee's merits.  A resume attached to your nomination letter is very useful (and can often be obtained by collusion with the nominee's significant other). Letters from other people supporting your nomination are helpful, especially if they provide additional useful insights into the nominee's contributions. Since only one person is selected each year, you should support no more than one person per year for the award.