The Harry Bettencourt Legacy Award

Recognizing Service, Kindness, and a Commitment to Lifelong Learning

To honor the memory of Harry Bettencourt (1947-2020), who served on the NAWD Board of Directors for many years, a new award was introduced following his untimely passing in 2020 to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the values that Harry exemplified in actively promoting the value of participation in Student Activities, a long-time sustained commitment to advisor growth and student leadership development while maintaining indispensable kindness and a welcoming spirit to others.

About Harry

Harry Bettencourt was often the first smiling face one would see at our annual National Conference on Student Activities (NCSA); he made it a priority to be at the registration table to welcome attendees while also serving as a a resource for those seeking to earn college credit through their attendance at the NCSA.

Harry always put others needs before his own, doing whatever was necessary to ensure that each attendee had the best experience possible while at our National Conference on Student Activities. His service was not limited to our own conferences; for many years Harry also volunteered his time and efforts at the annual National Conference for the National Association of Student Councils (NASC) to ensure student leaders and their advisors would have the best experience there.

A special virtual tribute entitled "Remembrance of a Live Well-Lived" was organized and conducted a few weeks after Harry's untimely passing. You can CLICK HERE to view the video of this special tribute that involved nearly one hundred friends, colleagues and family members sharing their Harry Bettencourt stories.

Current Recipient

As presented by past recipient Andy Costanzo:

Harry Bettencourt.  His name is synonymous with care, love, passion and a sincere desire to help all advisors feel welcomed by giving them a true sense of belonging. The 2024 NCSA is the third time that we have gathered in person since Harry’s passing.  There is a hole that simply can not be filled.  As a NA4SA board member, he would be the first smile and hug that one would get at the registration desk.  His presence is missed terribly. The board has committed to honor Harry by creating an award in his name. The Award Criteria...

  • Attendance at a minimum of 20 NAWD/NCSA conferences
  • Actively promotes the value of participation in student activities
  • Has a history of volunteering at NCSA and  other conferences/workshops
  • Demonstrates a commitment to advisor growth and student leadership development
  • Prjoects a positive personality, indispensable kindness and a welcoming spirit to others
  • Promotes the value of lifelong learning

Our 2024 recipient has attended 30 NAWD/NCSA conferences and is a huge help in sharing resources and welcoming people to our conferences, just as Harry was. She is one of the kindest and most knowledgable people in the Student Activities world. This person knows her stuff and is always willing to help mentor others, volunteer, and share tips. She has served as a Student Council Advisor, a sought after speaker in many states, a publisher, an author, and founder of Leadership Logistics - a company which promotes learning, training, and publishing services to support positive youth deveopment. She loves NAWD/NA4SA like Harry did, and has done so much for the growth of this organization and its National Conference on Student Activities.

We are honored to present the 2024 Harry Bettencourt Legacy Award to Lyn Fiscus from Virginia, who becomes the fifth Student Activity Professional to receive this honor which carries forward the passion and spirit of Harry Bettencourt.

Past Recipients

  • 2024 - Lyn Fiscus, Virginia
  • 2023 - Colby Cochran, North Carolina
  • 2022 - Jim Finnemeyer, Pennsylvania
  • 2021 - Sandy Hillman, Indiana
  • 2020 - Andy Costanzo, Pennsylvania

Our 2024-2025 Sponsors & Partners

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National Association of Secondary School Principals
2024-2025 PLATINUM PARTNER

Work2BeWell
2024-2025 GOLD PARTNER

Cool Speak
2024-2025 GOLD PARTNER

Mike Hall Speaks
2024-2025 GOLD PARTNER

 

Our Friends & Allies

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Dynamx Digital

Jostens

The Fisher Agency

 

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