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National Re(Crew)nition

Each year, Outward Bound USA’s Re(crew)nition Awards honor individuals whose leadership strengthens our schools, students, and staff, celebrating impact that shows up both visibly and behind the scenes.

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About the Awards

Recipients are nominated by their peers and selected by committees made up of staff from across our schools, reflecting the perspectives of those who know the work best. Rooted in our history and values, the Re(crew)nition Awards celebrate a lifetime of service, integrity, innovation, and care for others, recognizing those whose work continues to meaningfully advance Outward Bound’s mission. Read more about each award and meet our 2025 recipients below.

The Marina Ewald Award

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Pioneering educator and little-known Outward Bound co-founder, Marina Ewald, is credited with designing and leading the very first Outward Bound expedition, sustaining and advancing the Salem school through WWII and beyond, and co-founding the original Outward Bound Sea School in Aberdovey with Kurt Hahn. Yet Ewald’s name went largely unmentioned in Outward Bound circles for many years. Like Ewald, the deep competency and daily commitment of Outward Bound’s very best student-facing staff too often goes unnoticed by those outside of the directly impacted student or staff group.  

In an effort to recognize and celebrate the daily, persistent influence of student-facing staff, and in the spirit of broad program excellence and innovation, this award aims to honor an Outward Bound staff who has advanced and improved the Outward Bound student experience by courageously approaching problems through the lens of innovation and inclusion, ensuring the persistent improvement of the Outward Bound program model, a model originating with Ewald and Hahn and continually evolving under the skillful and constant watch of everyday Outward Bound staff.  

The Joshua Miner Award

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This award honors Outward Bound employees who reflect the character, values, and enduring legacy of Founding Trustee Joshua L. Miner III. It recognizes those whose commitment to Outward Bound goes beyond their role and whose contributions meaningfully improve the lives of students and staff, while strengthening the organization’s ability to live its mission.

This award is intended for staff whose leadership, service, and integrity show up consistently in both big moments and everyday work. It celebrates individuals whose steady dedication, care for others, and belief in Outward Bound’s purpose help shape strong programs, healthy teams, and transformational experiences across the community.

The John McGrory Award

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John McGrory’s leadership helped fundamentally reshape how Outward Bound approaches safety, both in practice and in culture. As Chair of the Outward Bound Safety Committee, John played a critical role in moving the organization toward a clearer, more consistent, and values grounded understanding of risk. As the architect of the Outward Bound USA Safety Policy, his work created a strong, enduring framework that continues to guide operations across the network and influence the broader field of adventure education.

Much like other behind-the-scenes contributors whose impact is felt every day, John’s legacy lives on in the systems, decisions, and shared responsibility that support safe, challenging, and transformational student experiences. This award honors Outward Bound staff whose thoughtful leadership, steady commitment, and proactive approach to safety strengthens programs over time. It recognizes those who advance a culture of care and accountability, ensuring that safety remains an evolving practice in service of both student growth and staff well being.

The Kurt Hahn Award

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Established by the Outward Bound National Board of Directors in 1982, the Kurt Hahn Award is the highest form of recognition bestowed by Outward Bound. It honors individuals whose life’s work reflects a deep and lasting commitment to serving others, in ways that would have resonated with Outward Bound’s founder, Kurt Hahn himself.

This award is intended for those whose contributions extend far beyond a single role or moment. Recipients embody the qualities Hahn valued most: an enterprising curiosity, an indefatigable spirit, perseverance in pursuit of what matters, thoughtful self discipline, and above all, compassion. The Kurt Hahn Award recognizes a lifetime of leadership, service, and impact that has meaningfully shaped people, programs, and the broader Outward Bound community.

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2025 Marina Ewald Award

Alexys J. Woods

In their words:
“What keeps me connected to Outward Bound is the opportunity to serve the city I grew up in, which is Charlotte, NC. I now manage the very program I first experienced as a 16-year-old student. Outward Bound shaped who I am, and now I get to help provide that same growth and discovery for others. The Outward Bound community continues to inspire me through its commitment to meeting students where they are, both in the wilderness and right here at home. Seeing our programs evolve to reach more young people in meaningful, inclusive ways is why I love this work.”

Alexys is Charlotte Program Director at North Carolina Outward Bound School.

2025 Joshua Miner Award

Lawrence Schuessler

In their words:
“I have been working in the field of outdoor education for over 25 years, course directing, training staff and teaching at universities. I went on an OB course as a teen and it changed my path in life as well as saved my life. I decided a long time ago to dedicate my life to bringing people outdoors and helping them recognize how much capacity is within.”

Lawrence is a Staff Trainer, Course Director, and Instructor at Outward Bound California.

2025 John McGrory Award

Steve Creech

In their words:
“What inspires me is the impact that Outward Bound has on our students and staff. Our curriculum helps people see how amazing they are and can be, it helps them learn how to work better together and to serve others with compassion through their leadership. Those are things that have massive ripple effects out in the world.”

Steve Creech is Safety Manager at Colorado Outward Bound School.

2025 Kurt Hahn Award

Winn Ellis

From Winn’s nominators:
“Winn’s influence is both generational and communal. She’s passed her love of Outward Bound to her daughters, ensuring the transformative experience she once had continues through them. Through her volunteerism, fundraising, and leadership, she’s inspired countless others to get involved and give back. Whether celebrating students at graduation or guiding board discussions with clarity and courage, Winn embodies the spirit of Kurt Hahn: a life devoted to empowering others through compassion, curiosity, and joy.”

Winn is Outward Bound California’s Board of Directors’ Co-chair.

 

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