@NortheastAEE
Northeast Region Awards
Josh Miner Dialogue and PICOUP Award
THE JOSH MINER DIALOGUE
In 2001, the Northeast Regional Conference hosted Josh Miner as one of the keynote speakers.
As a founding trustee of Outward Bound, Josh was instrumental in bringing the experiential philosophy of Kurt Hahn to the United States. Conference attendees were fortunate to hear Josh's vision and passion firsthand, as he shared stories, metaphors, and lessons of children, curiosity, and character. Josh passed away nine months later.
In an effort to capture the essence of the wisdom he shared, in 2003 the Northeast Region Advisory Council established the Josh Miner dialogue series. The series consists of a public undefined dialogue or conversation between the years' honoree and another professional in the field. The "interview" traditionally takes place during the Northeast Regional Conference. This format gives conference attendees a chance to get to know the honoree in an informal setting that often reveals best practice advice and nuggets of wisdom, as well as personal stories and mistakes to avoid.
The Northeast Region Advisory Council in conjunction with the Regional Conference Host Committee selects the Josh Miner Dialogue Series honoree.
2021 Honoree - Sanford Tollette

Serving as Joseph Pfeifer Kiwanis Camp's Executive Director for over 45 years, Sanford Tollette has transformed a Camp reserved primarily for underprivileged white boys to a Camp open and dedicated to helping troubled youth of all races and genders. In 1988, E.D. Tollette expanded from summer adventure programming to year round programming with the addition of the academic Alternative Classroom Experience (ACE). ACE helps 150 at-risk children each year turn their lives around through an intensive residential educational program.
Future Honorees Do you have a suggestion for a future honoree? The Northeast Region Advisory Council is interested in hearing from regional members about who they believe would be a good candidate for recognition as the Josh Minor dialogue series speaker. If you have a suggestion, please read and fill out this form and send it to the Northeast Region Chair.
Past Recipients
2020 Katherine Kennedy 2019 Jasper S. Hunt 2018 Mike Gass 2017 Laurie Gullion 2016 Dick Prouty 2015 Jed Williamson 2014 Nicki Hall 2013 Hendricks Davis 2012 Karen Warren 2011 Rob Rubendall 2010 Lance Lee 2009 Jim Schoel 2008 Pam McPhee 2007 Craig Dobkin 2006 Keith King 2005 Phil Costello 2004 Dan Garvey 2003 Karl Rohnke
A DVD of the past Josh Miner Keynote presentations can be purchased through Scott Catucci. The cost of the DVDs are $10.00 for the first and $5.00 for each additional copy.
Person In Charge Of Unlocking Potential
Michael Gessford will be remembered for his playful spirit, his dedication to the field of experiential education and his kindness and generosity. Mike possessed a unique way of empowering others to achieve their best. In a world of people so quick to offer answers; Mike asked questions. His confidence in others abilities and his endless pursuit of knowledge urged those around him to dig deeper within themselves. Mike was a perceptive educator who gave the world his all and asked for nothing in return. PICOUP is a phrase Mike himself came up with to describe his "job title": Person In Charge Of Unlocking Potential.

This award is dedicated to the memory of Mike Gessford (1962-2011), the original PICOUP. Mike would have liked to remind everyone, "follow your bliss."
The PICOUP Award will be given each year to someone in the Northeast AEE community who selflessly gives of themselves for the betterment of others. This award is to honor an individual who has the ability to empower others to achieve their best regardless of personal gain.
Past Honorees 2018 - Anna Kay Vorsteg 2017 - Jim Grout 2016 - Kamora Herrington 2015 - Keith King 2014 - Brent Bell 2013 - Hutch Hutchinson 2012 - Beth Sayers 2011 - Mike Gessford
Award Logistics Nominations for the PICOUP award are now being accepted until April 1st, as which point the NE council will vote upon the nominations. Submit the 2021 PICOUP Award Nomination Form Here
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