Introduction

The Horkheimer Charitable Fund sponsors four youth awards annually: two service awards, an imaging award, and a journalism award. These award programs began due to the generosity of the late Jack Horkheimer, TV’s Star Gazer, in an effort to recognize the importance that young people play in keeping amateur astronomy a vibrant avocation.

The Jack Horkheimer Youth Service Awards are presented to any Astronomical League member who is under the age of 19 on the date of the application. This program recognizes exceptional service by young League astronomers, either directly or through service to any Astronomical League society.  Service can be in the form of participating in educational outreach, giving presentations, writing, demonstrating knowledge and skills at public star parties, or conducting other astronomical activities.

1. Horkheimer/Smith Youth Service Award:

This award is named after Arthur P. Smith, Jr., the 13th President of the Astronomical League (1964-1968).  Jack Horkheimer credited him for his own initial interest in astronomy.

The first-place winner receives a plaque and a $1750 check at an Astronomical League National Convention. Because of IRS regulations, the winner needs to complete IRS form W9 before any cash awards and expense reimbursements are given.

Horkheimer/Smith and D’Auria Youth Service Awards application form in pdf format

2. Horkheimer/D’Auria Youth Service Award:

This award is named in honor of Matthew (Tippy) D’Auria.  Tippy has been an active astronomer since 1980 and is the founder of the Winter Star Party, which is sponsored by the Southern Cross Astronomical Society.

A $1,000 check and plaque is given to the Horkheimer/D’Auria Award recipient. Because of IRS regulations, the winner needs to complete IRS form W9 before any cash awards and expense reimbursements are given.

(Note:  Applications for the Horkheimer/Smith Award, above, constitute applications for the Horkheimer/D’Auria Award as well.)

3. Horkheimer/Parker Youth Imaging Award:

The Horkheimer/Parker Youth Imaging Award is named in honor of the late Don Parker of Coral Gables, Flori­da, who had a lifelong interest in astronomy, especially in the art of, initially, astrophotography, then ccd imaging. Among his many accomplishments, he was a past director of the Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers (ALPO) and served on the board of that organization.

This award recognizes the imaging accomplishments of Astronomical League members who are 18 years of age or younger at the time of the nomination.

The first place winner will receive a $1000 check and plaque, second place a $500 check, and third place a $250 check. Because of IRS regulations, the winners need to complete IRS form W9 before any cash awards and expense reimbursements are given.

Horkheimer/Parker Youth Imaging Award application form in PDF format 

4. Horkheimer/O’Meara Journalism Award:

The Horkheimer/O’Meara Journalism Award, named in honor of photojournalist and vulcanologist Donna O’Meara, requires a person who is 8 to 14 years of age to compose a 300 to 500 word essay on any science related topic. The young author should take a factual scientific event and write an accurate story that is so exciting and informative that it engages the reader. Entries will be judged on four criteria: accuracy, creativity, conciseness, and clarity. As in life, spelling and grammar always count!

The first place winner will receive a $1000 check and plaque, second place a $500 check, and third place a $250 check. Because of IRS regulations, the winners need to complete IRS form W9 before any cash awards and expense reimbursements are given.

Horkheimer/O’Meara Journalism Award application form in PDF format

Process for Nomination

In order to apply for these awards, please complete the appropriate application form and follow the instructions exactly as listed on that form.  Additional information regarding the award can be received using the email addresses given on the forms.

Horkheimer/Smith Youth Service Award allowable expenses

• Travel expenses (intra-U.S., airfare and travel only): The Astronomical League pays only for the youth winner, not either parent. Parents need to pay for their own airfare.
• Accommodations: The Astronomical League pays only for the room for the youth winner. The parent can stay with the student if the room is configured to allow that. The student should arrive no earlier than the night before ALCon talks begin and leave the morning after the Awards Banquet. Other nights are strictly at the expense of the student and his or her family.
• Registration: The Astronomical League pays the ALCon registration, the Star BQ, the Banquet, and any taxi charges from the airport and back (assuming no car rental) for the youth winner and parent.
• Car Rental: The Astronomical League allows $100 toward car rental. Some venues offer free shuttle service to and from the airport.
• Meals: The Astronomical League offers the youth winner up to $30 per day for meals (Star BQ and Banquet meals are already covered, as noted above).
• Because of IRS regulations, IRS form W9 needs to be completed by the Horkheimer youth winners before any cash awards and expense reimbursements are given.
• Please give all receipts to either the Astronomical League President, the Awards Chair, or the Astronomical League Treasurer. The receipts will be submitted to the Astronomical League Treasurer for approval and reimbursement.