What is the MASE Legacy Award?

The MASE Legacy Award recognizes a MASE member for their commitment to encouraging, developing, and mentoring leaders who reflect the MASE mission. The recipient will have contributed to the professional growth and development of others and have a service history as a long-standing, contributing MASE member, resulting in a considerable and measurable impact at the local, regional, and state levels over time.

Who is eligible for the MASE Legacy Award?

The recipient must be a current or former MASE member who has contributed to the professional growth and development of others, demonstrated long-standing service and commitment to MASE, and shown impact through training, mentoring, personal support, modeling, and involvement at the local, regional, and state levels.

How is the MASE Legacy Award recipient selected?

The MASE Nominating Committee selects the recipient based on a review of candidate biographical information provided in the nomination materials. Committee members use an individually administered rating scale or secret vote, and the candidate with the highest overall score receives the award.

Legacy Award

An important focus of MASE is the support of emerging education leaders. The MASE Legacy Award recognizes a member for their commitment to encouraging, developing, and mentoring leaders who reflect the MASE mission. The recipient will have contributed to the professional growth of others and demonstrated long-standing service to MASE through training, mentoring, personal support, and modeling — resulting in a considerable and measurable impact at the local, regional, and state levels over time.

Selection Criteria

Who Qualifies for the Award?

Recipient must be a current or former MASE member.
Recipient shall have contributed to the professional growth and development of others.
Recipient shall have a service history as a long-standing, contributing MASE member.
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Recipient shall have demonstrated commitment through:
- Training and mentoring
- Personal support and modeling
- Contribution at the local, regional, and state levels
- An impact that is considerable and measurable over time

How to Nominate

Candidates may be self-nominated or nominated by someone else through a process determined by the MASE Nominating Committee. Nominations must be submitted in writing using the official nomination materials — available on the MASE website or by contacting the MASE office — and must be received by the nomination deadline to be considered.

Selection Process

The MASE Nominating Committee selects the recipient based on biographical information in the nomination materials, using an individually administered rating scale or secret vote. The candidate with the highest overall score receives the award.

Award Presentation

The award is presented annually at the MASE Fall Leadership Conference. The recipient receives a plaque and complimentary registration and lodging at the conference.

Most Recent Recipient

2025 — Cheryl Johnson

Executive Director, Goodhue County Education District

The MASE Legacy Award recognizes a member for their long-standing commitment to encouraging, developing, and mentoring leaders who reflect the MASE mission.

Presented at the MASE Fall Leadership Conference — news release coming soon

Recipient History

2025Cheryl Johnson
2024Jill Skarvold
2023Laura Pingry-Kile
2022Renae Ouillette
2021John Klaber
2020Carol Anhalt
2019Gaynard Brown
2018Gary Lewis
2017Keith Erickson
2016Karen Filla
2015Nan Records
2013Chris Sonenblum
2012John Messelt
2010Janine Dahms-Walker
2009Denny Ulmer
2008Bob Vaadeland
2006Earl Mergens
2005Norena Hale