Volunteer Awards

The Joan Summerfield Award for Excellence in Teaching

This annual award was initiated in 2005 and is named for Joan Summerfield, a science teacher who volunteered at the Academy of Natural Sciences from 1984 to 2004. While most of her time was devoted to our Dinosaur Hall, Joan also served as an informal guide in a number of traveling exhibits to the Academy and taught at Safari Overnight sleepovers in the museum. She passed away in October 2009.

The award recognizes individuals who provide an outstanding learning experience for our visitors. Past winners of this award are:

2010: Niki Taylor for work in Butterflies!
2009: Jay Weiss for work in Outside In
2008: Mary Carter for work in Outside In
2007: Cornelius "Connie" Carr for work in the Changing Exhibits Hall
2006: Dutch Klugman for work in Dinosaur Hall
2005: Andy Uricheck for work in Dinosaur Hall

The Ron Conti Award for Excellence in Animal Care

Ronald Conti (1946–2005) was a friend to the Live Animal Center for many years. A professional animal keeper and engaging educator, Ron helped the Academy care for its collections and educate its visitors. His venomous snake shows were the hit of many member events. The Academy is home to more than 100 birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians, with hundreds more live insects and butterflies. These are an integral part of our educational programs and volunteers are essential in helping us with day-to-day care. This annual award was initiated in 2006 in Mr. Conti's name to recognize excellence in animal care—in our Butterflies! exhibit, Outside In, the Academy’s hands-on discovery center for children, and in the Live Animal Center.

Past winners of this award recognizing quality in animal care are:

2010: Paul D'Ortona for work in the Live Animal Center
2009: Julie Pakstis for work in Outside In and the Live Animal Center
2008: Taylor Baggs for work in Outside In
2007: Jennifer McCloskey for work in the Live Animal Center
2006: Matt Devlin for work in the Live Animal Center