By Jenny Kitchings (SC)

The 2025-2026 Awards, Resolutions, and Memorials Committee is seeking nominations for the J.O. Sentell Award and the Morgan Thomas Award. These awards will be presented at the 2026 NCACC Annual Conference in Austin, Texas.

James Oscar Sentell, Jr., was a founding member and first president of the NCACC. The J.O. Sentell Award is given to an NCACC member who has contributed substantially to the objectives of the conference by improving skill and knowledge through conferences, seminars, or other educational programs; promoting and improving the contribution of appellate court clerk offices within the areas of effective court administration; and the collection and dissemination of information and ideas concerning the operation and improvement of the offices of appellate court clerks (see Article II of the Bylaws.) Last year’s recipient of the J.O. Sentell Award was Laura Roy, retired Clerk of the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District.

The Morgan Thomas Award is given in recognition of an individual who is not a member of the NCACC but who has made significant contributions to professionalism and supports the goals of the NCACC as a body and of its members individually. Last year’s recipient of the Mogan Thomas Award was Steve Circeo, the web designer of the NCACC’s website.

Please send nominations to Jenny Abbott Kitchings (jkitchings@sccourts.org) via email by March 16, 2026. 

Awards, Resolutions, and Memorials Committee members: Jenny Abbott Kitchings (SC, Chair); Muriel Pitney (VA, Vice-Chair); Myrna Gasc (TX); Jim Hivner (TN); Ed Hosken (VA, ret.); Sherry Williamson (TX); and Tristen Worthen (WA).