National Association for Student Activities

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 Lyn Fiscus:

Today, we gather to celebrate an award that carries the name of someone who shaped the very heart of student activities - Harry Bettencourt. Harry believed deeply in the power of participation, in the growth of advisors, and in the development of student leaders. But more than that, he showed us that kindness and a welcoming spirit are not extras—they are essentials.

The Harry Bettencourt Legacy Award recognizes individuals who meet these 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
Projects a positive personality, indispensable kindness and a welcoming spirit to others
Promotes the value of lifelong learning

This award is not just about what someone does, it’s about how they do it. It honors those who make others feel seen, supported, and inspired. This year’s recipient has done exactly that. For decades, this person has championed student leadership at every level—local, state, and national. They have hosted state and national conferences that brought thousands together, created lessons that turn life experiences into leadership opportunities, enthusiastically shared all kinds of great materials, resources, and ideas, and built a network where advisors lean on each other for guidance, encouragement, and inspiration. Those who know this person describe them with these words:

"Welcomes everyone and shares everything."
"Always has a smile to greet everyone, just like Harry."
"An extraordinary leader and the kindest human."
"Works hard to make this an organization that values people and the work we do for students."

This individual has not only served one of the largest school districts in the country but has also shaped leadership education nationwide. Her work has touched countless students and advisors, and her generosity of spirit has made our community stronger. For her unwavering commitment, her leadership, and her kindness, it is my honor to announce that the 2025 Harry Bettencourt Legacy Award goes to someone who truly lives Harry’s legacy every day - Sandy Ginger from Nevada who becomes the sixth Student Activity Professional to receive this honor which carries forward the passion and spirit of Harry Bettencourt.