Nominate someone special to be CASE Educator of the Year or a Fellow of the Academy of Professional Reporters

March 19, 2019 by

Now is the time to recognize someone special! Every year, NCRA offers members several opportunities to bring attention to the people who are contributing to the profession in important ways. The Council on Approved Student Education (CASE) is seeking nominees for Educator of the Year, and the Council of the Academy of Professional Reporters (CAPR) wishes to recognize court reporters and captioners who have made significant contributions to the professions. CASE and CAPR are committees supported by NCRA.  

CASE Educator of the Year. This special award is for a court reporting instructor. Was there someone special who inspired you, who got you through the ups, downs, and plateaus of your court reporting classes? If your teacher was an incredible influence in your getting started, now is the time to say thank you by nominating that special someone for the CASE Educator of the Year Award. Nominations close April 1.

Fellow of the Academy of Professional Reporters. If you know a dedicated court reporter or captioner who has contributed to the profession in a big way over the years, nominate that person as a Fellow. Candidates must be active practitioners in the field and have at least 10 years of experience. Criteria for nomination include the publication of important papers, legislative or creative contributions to the field, and service on committees or boards. Nominations close April 1.

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Recognize a peer’s dedication with a 2018 Fellows nomination

December 11, 2017 by

Members of the 2017 class of Fellows of the Academy of Professional Reporters was recognized at the 2017 Convention & Expo. Nominations for 2018 Fellows are due Dec. 31.

NCRA’s Council of the Academy of Professional Reporters (CAPR) is seeking nominations for its Fellows of the Academy of Professional Reporters (FAPR). The deadline to nominate a candidate is Dec. 31.

Membership in the Academy symbolizes excellence among NCRA members. The designation of FAPR represents an individual’s dedication to the court reporting and captioning professions and expresses the highest level of professional ethics.

“When I received the FAPR, it was a complete surprise, but the icing on the cake was that my wife, Mary, was also made a Fellow at the same time. It caused us to reflect on our contribution to the profession and, more than that, the realization that our peers recognized our contribution as well,” said Kevin Daniel, FAPR, RDR, CRR, CRC, who was inducted into the Academy in 2012.

“NCRA members should view the nomination process as an opportunity to recognize some overachieving, non-Board members who have contributed to the profession in many different ways, from serving on committees to promoting court reporting and captioning in mainstream and social media,” added Daniel, a freelance court reporter from Las Vegas, Nev.

To be nominated for membership in the Academy, candidates must be a Registered Member of NCRA with at least 10 years of professional experience and have attained distinction as measured by performance in at least three of the five performance categories. This performance could include publication of important papers, creative contributions, service on committees or boards, teaching, and more.

“By bestowing the FAPR on a colleague, you not only recognize the past contributions of your fellow member, but you also often inspire them to continue and even redouble their commitment to the profession,” Daniel added.

To nominate an individual, view the full criteria and download a nomination form at NCRA.org/Fellows. For more information, contact Cynthia Bruce Andrews at candrews@ncra.org.








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2018 nominations sought; deadlines near

December 1, 2017 by

Nominations are now being accepted for the Fellows of the Academy of Professional Reporters, the NCRA Board of Directors, and the Distinguished Service Award. Now is the perfect time to step up and nominate yourself or a colleague to serve or be recognized for his or her commitment to the profession and to NCRA.

Fellows of the Academy of Professional Reporters

Members of the 2017 class of Fellows of the Academy of Professional Reporters was recognized at the 2017 Convention & Expo. Nominations for 2018 Fellows are due Dec. 31.

NCRA’s Council of the Academy of Professional Reporters is seeking nominations for its Fellows of the Academy of Professional Reporters (FAPR). The deadline to nominate a candidate is Dec. 31.

Membership in the Academy symbolizes excellence among NCRA members. The designation of FAPR represents an individual’s dedication to the court reporting and captioning professions and expresses the highest level of professional ethics. Candidates must have been actively reporting for at least 10 years and have attained distinction as measured by performance. This performance could include publication of important papers, creative contributions, service on committees or boards, teaching, and more.

“It is an honor to carry the distinction as a Fellow in my profession’s national association. Much of the time and energy devoted to my beloved profession and association has been behind the scenes; when I learned I had been awarded the Fellow, it let me know that my hard work and dedication had been not only noticed but appreciated,” said Sarah Nageotte, FAPR, RDR, CRR, CRC, an official court reporter from Jefferson, Ohio. Nageotte was inducted as a Fellow in 2017.

“There’s a quote that says, ‘Volunteers are not paid — not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless.’ Taking the time to recognize a colleague through a nomination is one way to say thank you for always giving for the betterment of all. If you don’t nominate someone deserving, who will?” added Nageotte, who is also an NCRA Past President.

To nominate an individual, view the full criteria and download a nomination form at NCRA.org/Fellows. For more information, contact Cynthia Bruce Andrews at candrews@ncra.org.

Board of Directors

Serving on the Board of Directors is an excellent opportunity to use your leadership skills to help advance the premier organization that continues to empower the court reporting profession. As a Director, you will serve with others as fiduciaries to steer the organization towards a sustainable future by adopting sound, ethical, and legal governance and financial management policies as well as by making sure NCRA has adequate resources to advance its mission.

The 2017-2018 NCRA Board of Directors

“After serving on NCRA committees and task forces, observing and respecting NCRA’s leaders, as well as holding several offices with my state association, I decided to challenge myself and seek a position on NCRA’s Board,” said R. Douglas Friend, FAPR, RDR, CRR, a freelance reporter an agency owner from Vancouver, Wash., and a Past President of NCRA.

“A joy of serving on the NCRA Board is attending state conventions and making presentations. Besides meeting reporters who became friends around North America, I also gathered confidence in public speaking. As a firm owner, this helped in speaking to groups of attorneys, legal assistants, and paralegals,” added Friend.

Nominations and recommendations can be submitted to boardnominations@ncra.org by Jan. 19, 2018. As a courtesy, please contact your candidate directly prior to submitting his or her name.

Anyone interested in seeking future Board service can attend a no-obligation orientation webinar on Jan. 10 at 8 p.m. ET. This webinar will help you gain a better understanding of the process and expectations of serving on the Board. For more information about the orientation, contact lbutler@ncra.org.

Distinguished Service Award

Nancy Varallo recognized with NCRA Distinguished Service Award

Nancy Varallo recognized with the 2017 NCRA Distinguished Service Award

NCRA’s Distinguished Service Award is often viewed as the pinnacle of a member’s career. It recognizes the distinguished work and service by an individual member for the benefit of the court reporting profession, including service to NCRA as a member, a committee member, a director, or an officer of the Association. Other displays of distinguished work include contributing to the JCR or service at a state court reporters association or in the field of public relations or public affairs. Award winners are recognized at the NCRA Convention & Expo.

“In 2015, at the NCRA Convention & Expo in New York City, I was humbled that I had been nominated and had been chosen to receive the DSA,” said Sandy VanderPol, FAPR, RMR, CRR, a freelancer and firm owner from Lotus, Calif.

“This award was such an honor, and I will always remember the ceremony and the many emotions that passed over me when my name was called. I tell you this because I want each of you to take the time to reflect upon what this award means to the recipient. Nominate a person you consider worthy, and be proud that you have been a part of the process,” she added.

Voting members of NCRA or of recognized court reporting associations may submit nominations through an online form, by email to dsa@ncra.org, or by mail to NCRA, Attn: DSA, 12030 Sunrise Valley Dr., Reston, VA 20191. Nominations must include information supporting why the nominee should be considered. DSA candidates cannot be an active member of the DSA Committee or the NCRA Board of Directors. The deadline to nominate a member for NCRA’s 56th Distinguished Service Award is Feb. 9.








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Nominations for Fellows of the Academy of Professional Reporters now open

October 30, 2017 by

The 2017 class of Fellows of the Academy of Professional Reporters was recognized at the 2017 Convention & Expo. Nominations for 2018 Fellows are due Dec. 31.

NCRA’s Council of the Academy of Professional Reporters (CAPR) is currently seeking nominations for its Fellows of the Academy of Professional Reporters. Nominations are due Dec. 31. Fellows represent the pinnacle of excellence among NCRA members. They are individuals who are a credit to the reporting and captioning professions and embody the highest level of professional ethics.

“When I was awarded the Fellow designation, I felt a combination of pride and humility. It is such an honor to have my peers understand and appreciate the efforts I have given to the court reporting and captioning professions,” said Patricia Graves, FAPR, RDR, CRR, CRC, a captioner in Monument, Colo. Graves was part of the 2014 class of Fellows.

Established in 1972, NCRA’s Academy of Professional Reporters recognizes a nominee’s outstanding and extraordinary qualifications and experience in the field of shorthand reporting. Candidates are required to have been in the active practice of reporting for at least 10 years and to have attained distinction as measured by performance, which includes publication of important papers, creative contributions, service on committees or boards, teaching, and more.

“I consider being elected a Fellow of the Academy of Professional Reporters the highest honor of my career. It’s recognition from top reporters in the field for your contribution to the profession,” said Mary Cox Daniel, FAPR, RDR, CRR, CRC, a freelancer in Las Vegas, Nev. Daniel was part of the 2011 class of Fellows.

A Fellow’s support of the profession can be seen in his or her activity in professional associations at the state or national level or through a number of other venues. If you know of such a person who has not been named to the Academy, now is your chance to recognize his or her contributions to the profession. View the full criteria and download a nomination form at NCRA.org/Fellows. For more information, contact Cynthia Bruce Andrews at candrews@ncra.org.








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Sutton notches pro Fellowship

August 30, 2017 by

JCR: Journal of Court Reporting, TheJCR.com, JCR WeeklyThe Town of Paradise Valley Independent and the Scottsdale Independent both reported on Aug. 30 that the National Court Reporters Association awarded Doreen Sutton, FAPR, RPR, fellowship in the Association’s Academy of Professional Reporters. Sutton is a freelance court reporter and firm owner from Scottsdale, Ariz., and NCRA Vice President. The stories were generated by a press release issued by NCRA on Sutton’s behalf.

Read more.








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NCRA member in the news

August 29, 2017 by

JCR: Journal of Court Reporting, TheJCR.com, JCR WeeklyThe Shelby County News reported on Aug. 26 that NCRA member Judith Lehman, FAPR, RMR, CRI, an official court reporter from Shelbyville, Ill., was awarded Fellowship in the Academy of Professional Reporters during the 2017 NCRA Convention & Expo held in Las Vegas.

The article was generated by a press release issued by NCRA on Lehman’s behalf.

Read more.








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2017 class of Fellows of the Academy of Professional Reporters announced

April 11, 2017 by

2017 FellowsNCRA has announced the 2017 class of Fellows of the Academy of Professional Reporters. The recipients will be recognized during an Awards Luncheon at the 2017 NCRA Convention & Expo in Las Vegas, Nev., being held Aug. 10-13.

The 2017 class of Fellows are:

“Receiving the distinction of Fellow was one of  the high points of my career,” said NCRA President Tiva Wood, FAPR, RDR, CMRS, a freelance court reporter from Mechanicsburg, Pa. “I am excited that NCRA is recognizing these extraordinary members for their contributions, which include publishing important papers, serving on committees or boards, teaching the next generation of court reporters and captioners, and other efforts. All of the candidates must have been active in the practice of reporting for at least 10 years and been nominated by their peers.”

Fellowship in the Academy of Professional Reporters is a professional distinction conferred upon a person with outstanding and extraordinary qualifications and experience in the field of shorthand reporting. Candidates for Fellows are required to have been in the active practice of reporting for at least 10 years and to have attained distinction as measured by performance (which includes publication of important papers, creative contributions, and service on committees or boards, teaching, and other activities that support the profession).

Read all the news from the 2017 NCRA Convention & Expo.








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Nominations for Fellows of the Academy of Professional Reporters due Dec. 31

December 13, 2016 by

fellows1NCRA’s Council of the Academy of Professional Reporters (CAPR) is currently seeking nominations for its Academy of Professional Reporters. Nominations are due Dec. 31. Fellows represent the pinnacle of excellence among NCRA members. They are individuals who are a credit to the reporting and captioning professions and embody the highest level of professional ethics.

“To be nominated as a Fellow is one of the highest recognitions by your peers for contribution to our profession,” said Mary Cox Daniel, RDR, CRR, CRC, a freelance reporter from Las Vegas, Nev., and chair of CAPR.

“Being nominated means a reporter has gone beyond mere membership in NCRA but has made significant contributions to our profession over an extended period of time. I consider becoming a Fellow a lifetime achievement award,” added Daniel, who was nominated in 2011.

Established in 1972, NCRA’s Academy of Professional Reporters recognizes a nominee’s outstanding and extraordinary qualifications and experience in the field of shorthand reporting. Candidates are required to have been in the active practice of reporting for at least 10 years and to have attained distinction as measured by performance, which includes publication of important papers, creative contributions, service on committees or boards, teaching, and more.

“A nomination as a Fellow is one of the highest recognitions our profession bestows, encapsulating an acknowledgement by your peers of your dedication to court reporting in all ways — from steno writing professional, to advocate of our profession, to being a leader,” said Kimberley A. Neeson, RPR, CRR, CRC, a freelancer and firm owner from Toronto, Canada, who was nominated in 2016.

“The nomination as a Fellow of the Academy of Professional Reporters acknowledges the nominee’s hard work, commitment and ethics to the profession of capturing the spoken word. While many certifications acknowledge one’s skill, a nomination as a Fellow is recognition by the court reporting and captioning community of the nominee’s long-standing contributions to our profession. It is truly an honor,” she added.

“For me, nomination was affirmation and recognition from my peers that I’d had accomplishment in my chosen profession. It was profound. It means that you have served and performed to advance the profession, and that service is acknowledged and honored,” added Jason Meadors, RPR, CRR, CRC, a freelancer and firm owner in in Fort Collins, Colo., who was nominated in 2011.

A Fellow’s support of the profession can be seen in his or her activity in professional associations at the state or national level or through a number of other venues. If you know of such a person who has not been named to the Academy, now is your chance to recognize his or her contributions to the profession. View the full criteria and download a nomination form at NCRA.org/Fellows. For more information, contact Cynthia Bruce Andrews at candrews@ncra.org.








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NCRA announces the 2016 class of Academy of Professional Reporters Fellows

August 1, 2016 by

The members of the 2016 class of Academy of Professional Reporters Fellows will be honored at an award luncheon being held Aug. 6 during the 2016 NCRA Convention & Expo at the Chicago Hilton, Chicago, Ill., Aug. 4-7. This year, six NCRA members have been inducted as fellows of the Academy of Professional Reporters, which recognizes recipients for their outstanding and extraordinary qualifications and experience.

“Membership in the Academy of Professional Reporters is by nomination only, so to be granted fellowship is a high point in a reporter’s career,” said Mike Nelson, CAE, Executive Director and CEO of NCRA. “Criteria for being accepted include exhibiting outstanding and extraordinary qualifications and experience in the field of shorthand reporting, as well as having been active in the practice of reporting for at least 10 years. In addition, candidates for fellowship are required to have attained distinction as measured by such activities as the publication of important papers, creative contributions, service on committees or board, and teaching.”

The 2016 class of Fellows are as follows:

  • Nancy J. Hopp, RDR, CRR, CMRS, is a freelancer from St. Louis, Mo., with more than 38 years of experience. She served for many years on Illinois’s Certified Shorthand Reporter board and has also served on numerous NCRA and Illinois Court Reporters Association (ILCRA) committees and task forces over multiple decades. She served several years as NCRA’s Midyear Conference Chair and has had a longstanding role as a contributing editor to the JCR. She was awarded ILCRA’s Distinguished Service Award in 2000.
  • Lisa A. Knight, RDR, CRR, is a freelancer and former official from Littleton, Colo., with more than 32 years of experience. She has been a prolific author and committee volunteer for NCRA, especially with regard to technology, frequently serving as a committee chair or co-chair. In the 1980s, Knight pioneered one of two computer-integrated courtrooms in Arapahoe County, Colo., and was instrumental in bringing realtime awareness to the Denver metro area’s legal community. She has also served extensively for the Colorado Court Reporters Association (CCRA) and has received nearly every award that association gives, including the Distinguished Service Award in 2002, the Presidential Award in 1998, and the Court Reporter of the Year Award in 1996.
  • Kimberley A. Neeson, RPR, CRR, CRC, is a freelancer and firm owner from Toronto, Canada, with more than 35 years of experience. In various leadership positions for the Chartered Shorthand Reporters’ Association (CSRA) of Ontario, including three terms as president, she has championed realtime and other stenographic technologies while campaigning against the implementation of digital audio recording in Ontario courts. In addition to appearing before various committees and media outlets, she has also published articles for the JCR and numerous other local and national publications. She was awarded Life Membership in CSRA in 2009, “in recognition of her outstanding activism and significant contributions to the profession.”
  • Alan Peacock, RDR, CRR, CRC, is a broadcast and CART captioner from Mobile, Ala., with nearly 30 years of experience. He has been generous with his time, serving the Alabama Court Reporters Association (ACRA) as a board member and officer, NCRA as a member of several captioning-related committees, and the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities as an advocate and educator for the profession. He also holds an associate degree in interpreting and is a member of the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf. Supporters of his nomination called him inspirational, yet approachable. He was awarded ACRA’s Distinguished Service Award in 2011.
  • Jennifer L. Schuck, RDR, CRR, CRC, is a CART captioner from Scottsdale, Ariz., with 23 years of experience. In addition to serving on numerous CART captioning-related committees for NCRA and the Arizona Court Reporters Association (ACRA), she also serves on the advisory board of Gateway Community College’s court reporting program. She frequently makes presentations for NCRA, ACRA, and Intersteno, and she regularly provides pro bono CART services to a range of organizations, including NCRA and her local chapter of the Hearing Loss Association of America. She is a frequent competitor in speed and realtime contests and has placed in the top three internationally several times over the past decade.
  • Kathryn R. Sweeney, RMR, CRR, is a freelancer from Acton, Mass., with more than 27 years of experience. She served on the Massachusetts Court Reporters Association (MCRA) board for eight years, including two years as president, and she served for an impressive 17 years as a Chief Examiner for NCRA testing before brick-and-mortar testing ended in 2015, at which point she served as a beta tester for the new online testing platform. She has presented very popular CRR Boot Camp sessions aimed at preparing reporters for realtime certification for NCRA, MCRA, and other state court reporting associations. Nominators described her as upbeat, with a can-do attitude and a hands-on approach to leadership.








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