CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2024 HANDS-ON-HUMANITIES AWARD WINNERS
Every year Arizona Humanities honors and celebrates outstanding contributions to the humanities in our state. Since the inaugural awards in 1990, Arizona Humanities has recognized individuals who have advanced the humanities in Arizona through their scholarship, leadership, support, and advocacy. We encourage you to nominate an individual or organization who is advancing the humanities in your community!
Nominations are reviewed by a panel of AH board members and community partners. Award recipients participate in a video interview, celebrate with friends and family in an awards reception in the fall, and receive a $2,000 cash award to further their work in the humanities.Â
                 NOMINATIONS FOR 2024 ARE CLOSED – START THINKING OF WHO YOU’D LIKE TO NOMINATE FOR 2025!
Nomination Checklist & Guidelines at-a-glance
A complete nomination packet includes:
✓ Online nomination form with two letters of support submitted
online. The form includes the nominee’s name, contact info, bio; brief explanation for the nomination; and the nominator’s contact info, signature, and date.
✓ Two (2) letters of support are required for each nomination. The letters should describe
the specific accomplishments and contributions that qualify the nominee for the award in accordance with the criteria outlined. Nominations for K-12 Humanities Educator may submit examples of teaching in lieu of a second letter.
Guidelines at-a-glance:
Anyone can submit a nomination.
- Past nominators are encouraged to re-submit nominee applications.
- Self-nominators must provide two (2) support letters from outside sources.
- The nominator must submit two letters of support (unless submitting for K-12 Humanities Educator); only two letters will be accepted.Â
- Only complete applications will be accepted. Please do not submit supplementary materials.
- Please read the full nomination guidelines before submitting a nomination.Â
Descriptions of Award Categories:
Humanities Public Scholars – Dan Shilling Award
Purpose
This award recognizes a distinguished humanities scholar who enhances public understanding of the humanities, transforms lives and strengthens communities through civil discourse and community engagement. The award recognizes the dedication and contribution of former executive director Dan Shilling’s 19 years of service to Arizona Humanities from 1984-2003.
Criteria
Letters of support should address how the nominee meets the following criteria:
- Sustained research (3-5 years), publications, creative activity, and humanities service in Arizona.
- Consistently serves as a humanities scholar, or public advocate for humanities.
- Actively and consistently engages the Arizona public in one or more humanities disciplines.
- Actively and consistently promotes opportunities for people to learn, experience, and explore diverse issues through public programs that foster civil discourse and community engagement.
Friend of the Humanities – Juliana Yoder Award
Purpose
This award recognizes a public individual who makes a lasting contribution to the cultural life of Arizona communities through active support of, and involvement in, promoting the humanities. The award recognizes the dedication and contribution of Juliana Yoder during her 21 years of service to the Arizona Humanities.
Criteria
Letters of support should address how the nominee meets the following criteria:
- Actively promotes understanding and appreciation of the humanities in the community through their work, volunteerism or leadership at cultural, civic, educational or other organizations.
- Exemplary outreach and/or advocacy supporting the humanities and access to the humanities.
- Significant contribution to the community by promoting civil discourse and/or community engagement.
Humanities Rising Star Award
Purpose
This award recognizes a young professional, student, or volunteer who demonstrates outstanding and creative approaches to engaging the public with the humanities, and whose humanities scholarship and public service, has enhanced public understanding of the humanities.
Criteria
Letters of support should address how the nominee meets the following criteria:
- Nominees must be 18-35 years of age.
- Actively promotes awareness and understanding of the humanities in the community through scholarship, creativity, leadership or volunteerism, and actively advocates for others to support the humanities.
- Evidence of impact on diverse issues/communities.
- Actively and consistently promotes opportunities for people to learn, experience, and explore diverse issues through public programs and creative activities that foster civil discourse and community engagement.
K-12 Humanities Educator Award
Purpose
This award recognizes an outstanding K-12 educator who engages students with the humanities through teaching in the classroom or leading humanities-based school programs.
Criteria
Letter(s) of support should address how the nominee meets the following criteria:
- Nominee must be a teacher, school librarian, or staff/administrator at a K-12 school
- Fosters an understanding of the humanities through innovative classroom teaching and/or implementing creative, humanities-based school programs.Â
- Encourages active student engagement.
- Evidence of impact on students and school community.Â
A huge THANK YOU to all of our amazing 2024 sponsors. We couldn't do this without your unwavering support.
Premier Sponsor
Contributing Sponsor
Advocate Sponsor
Thomson Family
