DOUG BURKE AWARD
Given to a Deaf Texan in recognition of his/her contributions toward equality and equal opportunities for members of the Deaf community and whose actions have been marked by all the qualities exhibited by Doug Burke and the Deaf President Now (DPN) movement at Gallaudet University – TEAMWORK, UNSELFISHNESS and DEDICATION. Note: Doug Burke was the founder and first Vice President of the Southwest Collegiate Institute of the Deaf (SWCID).

LBJ AWARD
Given to hearing Texan in recognition of his/her contributions toward equality and equal opportunities for Deaf people as exemplified by the spirit of Lyndon B. Johnson and the Deaf President Now (DPN) movement at Gallaudet University. Note: LBJ signed into law the bill authorizing the establishment of the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID).

GEORGIANNA ELLIOTT AWARD
Given to a hearing or Deaf individual or organization in recognition of his/her/their contributions toward equality, equal opportunities, and accessibility for Deaf people as exemplified by the spirit of Georgianna Elliott and the Deaf President Now (DPN) movement. Note: Georgianna Elliott spoke in front of the Convention of American Instructors for the Deaf back in the 1800’s and asked why women were not allowed into Gallaudet University. A few years later, as a result of her bringing this into the open, Gallaudet admitted the first woman into the University.

MARK ALLEN BRANSON VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD
Given to a Deaf individual residing in Dallas & Fort Worth who has given of his free time and energy to make the Deaf community of Dallas a more enjoyable and better place to live. Note: Mark Allen Branson, a strong advocate for the rights of Deaf individuals in Dallas was a teacher and an actor. He was the first chairperson of Deaf Celebration in Dallas and remained chair of this organization for four years. He died on January 9, 1997.