James Centorino Award

Through the Years | Conferences | Presidents | Awards | Stegner Lecture | The Pike

The James Centorino Award recognizes distinguished performance in marine education at a regional and/or national level and dedication to marine issues over a career.

Eligibility: Nominees must be NMEA members in good standing. Open to formal and informal educators..

Award Considerations: Nominees must have demonstrated a dedication to marine issues and outstanding work and leadership in any aspect of marine education at the local, regional, or national level over the course of a career. Nominees will be assessed in the following areas:

  • Positive Marine Environment Impact

  • Creativity and/or Innovation

  • Integration of Marine Science with other actions

  • Active participation in NMEA
2025 None
2024 David Christopher (DE)
2023 None
2022 Linda Chilton (CA)
2021 None
2020 None
2019 Craig Strang (CA)
2018 Lynn Whitley (CA)
2017 None
2016 Lisa Ayers Lawrence (VA)
2015 Diana Payne (CT)
2014 None
2013 Meg Marrero (NY)
2012 Sarah Schoedinger (NC)
2011 None
2010 None
2009 Sylvia Spalding (HI)
2008 Maryellen ("Mare") Timmons (GA)
2007 Rick Tinnin (TX)
2006 Janice McDonnell (NJ)
2005 Thaxter Tewksbury (CT)
2004 J. Adam Frederick (MD)
2003 Valerie Chase (MD)
2002 Hugo Freudenthal (NY)
2001 Gloria Snively (BC, Canada)
2000 John Dindo (AL)
1999 Sarah V. Mitchell (GA)
1998 Andy Wood (NC)
1997 Michael Spranger (WA) and Megan Jones (HI)
1996 Sharon Meeker (NH)
1995 Sharon H. Walker (MS)
1994 Terri L. Kirby (NC)
1993 Bill Hastie (OR)
1992 Bruce Stewart (CA) and Lee Lawrence (VA)
1991 Cynthia Stong (OH)
1990 Barbara Klemm (HI)
1989 Vicki Clark (VA)
1988 Rob Moir (MA)
1987 Inka Milewski (NB, Canada)
1986 Lindy Millman (DE)
1985 Jeff Sandler & Deb Hall (MN)
1984 Cynthia Hancock (FL)