THE DEDE SMITH FRIEND OF GIFTED AWARD
​Dede, one of GAM’s founders, served as GAM president and editor. Under her insightful guidance, the Missouri Scholars Academy was established. Dede initiated and served as Director of Drury’s Center for Gifted Education until her untimely death in 1991. The Dede Smith Friend of Gifted Award is awarded by nomination. GAM invites nominations of individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the field of gifted education in Missouri. An individual who is eligible to be a recipient of this award will belong to one of the following categories: legislator or other elected official, administrator, counselor, regular classroom teacher, media person, business person, or mentor. See the Nomination form page for requirements.

THE DELMA JOHNSON OUTSTANDING EDUCATOR OF GIFTED AWARD
Delma Johnson was one of the founders of the Gifted Association of Missouri. She was a DESE Pioneer in Education awardee in 1988. The Delma Johnson Outstanding Educator of Gifted Award is for educators who have made outstanding contributions to the field of gifted education in Missouri. GAM invites eligible nominees who belong to one of the following categories: teacher of gifted, coordinator of gifted programming, or college professor directly involved with gifted students or teachers of gifted.  See the Nomination form page for requirements.

THE NORINE KERBER PARENT OF GIFTED AWARD
Norine Gerber served as a volunteer and was honored for her work for the Gifted Association of Missouri and the National Association of Gifted Children. The Norine Kerber Parent of Gifted Award recognizes parents who have made outstanding contributions to the field of gifted education in Missouri. GAM invites nominees who belong to one of the following categories: parent, step-parent, or guardian of a gifted child in the state of Missouri. See the Nomination form page for requirements.
 
The BOB ROACH SCHOLARSHIP FOR NEW TEACHERS​
In 1999, GAM created the New Teacher Scholarship to promote the certification of teachers in the field of gifted education. In 2007, the award was renamed the Bob Roach Scholarship for New Teachers in honor of the continuous commitment of gifted educator, Bob Roach. In 2010, the gifted community lost this life-long educator and friend. GAM honors Bob’s passion for Gifted Education with a $250 scholarship awarded annually at the Gifted Association of Missouri Conference.  To apply, applicants must be in the process of obtaining certification in gifted education and in their first or second year of teaching gifted. See the Nomination form page for requirements.
 
Vicky Bennett Distinguished Student Award
The Vicky Bennett Distinguished Student Award is awarded to one student each year from Missouri. Vicky Bennett was a cherished figure in the world of gifted education, celebrated for her exceptional role as both an art and gifted teacher. Her influence extended across the state of Missouri, where she not only distinguished herself as a gifted educator, a mentor to other teachers, but also a passionate advocate for gifted students. See the Nomination form page for requirements.

Recipients are given a $250.00 scholarship along with a Certificate of Excellence by the Gifted Association of Missouri (GAM). Students selected for the award are between grades 3 and 6 and have distinguished themselves in academic achievement, leadership, and/or the arts. Letter(s) of recommendation from someone other than a nominee's family members, such as a teacher or principal, explaining why the student is deserving of the award, what sets him or her apart from others, and how the nominee is impacting others. Also include the release form completed and signed by a parent or guardian and a current school photo. 

a 750-word composition written by the student addressing the four of the following areas: 
1. Activity or interest area the student is being nominated 
2. How student became interested/involved in the activity 
3. Impact the activity has had on the student and on others 
4. Future plans and goals for this activity or interest area