JCI USA Awards
The JCI USA Memorial Awards and Recognitions Program is designed to recognize the impact of our members’ efforts at the local, state, and national levels. This impact can be through projects, chapter/state management, and/or recruitment efforts.
All submissions must be completed through the Awards Portal. The portal for 2026 submissions will open November 1st, 2026, and close on January 30th, 2027 at 11:59 pm HST. Submissions received after this deadline, or without proper certification, will not be considered.
2025 Awards Presentation:
Year End Convention in Missoula, MT
Memorial Awards:
For more details on all JCI USA awards, see the program manual linked above.
Most Outstanding New Local Organizations: Hampton Whetsell III Memorial Award
Presented annually to new chapters conducting the most outstanding activities and programming during their first year of affiliation.
About Hampton Whetsell III: Mr. Whetsell’s desire to be the best and his will to succeed were recognized during the Annual Meeting in Memphis, Tennessee, where he was presented with the JCI USA “Chapter Pacesetters” award for the largest extension (113 members) in a community of between 850-2,500 people. A member for only five months, he was the Chapter President of the Bowman, South Carolina Junior Chamber. On August 18, 1989, he lost his life in an auto accident while driving home from working on a chapter extension.
Most Outstanding Local Organizations: Clarence H Howard Memorial Award
Presented annually to the most outstanding established chapters (chartered prior to January 1, 2026) with exceptional programming.
About Clarence H Howard: While President of the St. Louis Chamber, Mr. Howard was a major contributor to Henry Giessenbier’s successes in founding the St. Louis Junior Chamber and JCI USA. A renowned industrialist, Howard was the owner and president of Commonwealth Steel.
Most Outstanding Chapter in the Nation: Harold A Marks Memorial Award
The highest achievement a chapter can attain in the JCI USA Organization. Awarded to one of the Clarence H. Howard winners and recognized as the Most Outstanding Junior Chamber Chapter in the Nation.
About Harold A. Marks: Mr. Marks served as the National Director of the Arizona Jaycees in 1935-1936. He passed away in March 1938 while flying to the installation of a new chapter.
Most Outstanding New Member: C William Brownfield Memorial Award
Presented annually to new members who best exemplify the JCI Mission and Vision during their first year of membership.
About C William Brownfield: Author of the JCI Creed, Brownfield recognized the enthusiasm and energy first-year members bring to the movement. He first penned the creed in 1946, national adoption coming later in 1950.
Most Outstanding New Member: John H Armbruster Memorial Award
Presented annually to local members who exemplify the JCI Mission and Vision through their impact on the organization and community.
About John H Armbruster:A charter member of the St. Louis Junior Chamber, Armbruster founded The Junior Chamber Crew Club and published the Log of the S.S. Fellowship, keeping members connected for over 40 years.
Most Outstanding Local Chapter Officer: Heidi Juttner Memorial Award
Presented annually to the most outstanding local chapter officer (excluding Chapter President and Immediate Past President). Eligible positions include Vice President, Program Manager, Secretary, Treasurer, or other chapter board roles.
About Heidi Juttner: A Florida Jaycee, Heidi served as Local Chapter President, Florida State President, and on the National Training Task Force. She passed away from cancer in 2011.
Most Outstanding Local President: Charles Kulp Jr. Memorial Award
Presented annually to the most outstanding Local Presidents in the nation.
About Charles Kulp Jr.: A Delaware Jaycee, Kulp served as Local President in Wilmington and as Delaware State President. He died of cancer in 1979.
Best State Flagship Program: Dennis Hamilton Memorial Award
Recognizes the top state flagship programs that contribute to the JCI USA Mission and Vision while engaging members and chapters across the state.
About Dennis Hamilton: Administrative VP of the Oklahoma Jaycees, Hamilton died in a plane crash in 1973 at the age of 30.
Best State Growth and Development Program: Steve Little Memorial Award
Recognizes the top state programs focused on organizational growth and development.
About Steve Little: President of the Wisconsin Jaycees, Little died in a car accident in 1982 en route to a JCI USA meeting.
Outstanding State Organizations: George O Wilson Memorial Award
Recognizes outstanding state organizations for overall excellence in programming and leadership.
About George O Wilson: George O. Wilson served as JCI USA National President (1921-1922)
Most Outstanding State Executive Officers: R Bradley Trafton Memorial Award
Presented to the most outstanding executive officers (e.g., Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer). Current and past State Presidents are not eligible.
About R Bradley Trafton: A New Hampshire Jaycee and past JCI USA staff officer who served in multiple leadership roles.
Most Outstanding State Presidents: Allen Whitfield Memorial Award
Recognizes State Presidents who have demonstrated exemplary leadership and commitment to JCI.
About Allen Whitfield: Whitfield served as JCI USA National President (1936-1937)
Most Outstanding State President in the Nation: Clayton Frost Memorial Award
Recognizes the top State President in the country, selected by the National President from among Whitfield Award recipients.
About Clayton Frost: Former North Carolina State President, Frost died in 1946 in an automobile accident while returning from a chapter installation.
Most Outstanding National Vice President: Don Cavelli Memorial Award
Presented annually to the most outstanding National Vice President.
About Don Cavelli: A Utah Jaycee and former State President, Cavelli served as National Vice President and passed away in 1977 from a rare blood disease.
Special Partner Award: Rob Ray Memorial Award
Presented annually to the spouses and significant others of State and National Officers who go above and beyond in supporting JCI service.
About Rob Ray: This award honors Rob Ray’s legacy of unwavering support to the JCI movement through his dedication to keeping the home fires burning while his significant other worked for the organization.