The Star of Texas is presented to an individual or organization for contributions to photographic education in Texas. It is designed to recognize people who have raised the standard of teaching and learning for both teachers and students. The Star of Texas applauds the recipient for making photography programs in Texas some of the best in the country.

The award has been presented to twelve outstanding individuals:

The very first recipient was Bill Kennedy, professor of photocommunications at St. Edward's University in Austin. He was presented the Star of Texas at the Fall 1995 conference.

In presenting the award, Mark Murray, Executive Director of ATPI, recognized Kennedy for his work in setting up the very first student and teacher photography conference in Texas. "The first three years of our annual conference were crucial to our success as an organization," Murray said. "The educational activities the conferences provided can be directly attributed to Bill's hard work and support."

During the 1996 Summer Workshop for Instructors Only, the board presented the second Star of Texas to John Knaur of Olympus Camera.

As Murray said during the presentation, “John has been with ATPI every step of the way. The very first year ATPI (or TAHSPI, as it was known then) held a Fall Conference in Austin, John was there representing Olympus as our only vendor. He has been a part of every conference since then.”

In addition, Knaur’s other contributions to ATPI have been numerous. He has aided in promoting the organization to teachers and other companies around the country. Through his encouragement, Olympus America has become a sponsor of ATPI’s top program award. As a sponsor, Olympus has presented the winning school with a new camera since 1998.

The 1996 Fall Conference closed with the presentation of the award to Ken Lassiter.

“Ken has been extremely important to the development of ATPI as a viable organization,” Murray said. “Eight years ago when we first decided to sponsor a fall conference, Ken, who worked for Kodak at the time, agreed to help sponsor the conference. Since then he has been a vocal supporter of ATPI and our efforts to improve photography education.”

Not only does ATPI appreciate his support of photo education, but students and teachers around the world have benefited from his active involvement. Through his leadership and vision, Kodak began the Techniques of the Masters series of live satellite broadcasts that featured world-renowned photographers talking directly to students. His contributions to students and schools around the country is legendary.

In 1999, the award was presented to a very surprised Bradley Wilson.

“Bradley could not be a more deserving recipient,” said Craig Coyle, ATPI President. “As a former president of ATPI and in all the jobs he has held around the state he has continually pushed us to be better teachers, better students and better photographers.”

Wilson’s accomplishments in Texas are legendary. From his first teaching job in Wimberley, where he garnered Tops In Texas awards for the school publications, to his role as mastermind and coordinator for the One Day photo projects and the Best of Texas High School Photography book and posters sponsored by Taylor Publishing Company, he has helped promote photography. As a college student, he wrote the teaching manual “Camera Ready,” which is still used by many high school journalism programs as a reference manual for students.

During the PIEA Conference in Orlando in February 2001, the Board, along with the help of Bradley Wilson and Stan Godwin, surprised Executive Director Mark Murray with his Star of Texas award, bringing the illustrious group to five members.

The 2003 recipients of the Star of Texas all work for a company that has made a tremendous difference to photography students and teachers, not only in Texas but around the country. At the 2003 Winter Conference in Austin, ATPI presented Ilford Photo with the Star of Texas. Named on the award are Wendy Ericksen, Larry Burleson, Jack Caldwell, Kevin Graham and Dennis Sullivan.

"Ilford Photo has been a valuable part of the ATPI Conference since 1988," Murray said as he presented the award to Howard Kimbrough, the new district sales manager for Texas. "In addition to always being present for the College and Vendor show, they have sponsored the on-site Black and White Speed Skills contest since the first year," Murray added. "The support that Ilford has provided, not only to the conference, but to the summer teacher workshop has been invaluable."

At the 2004 Winter Conference in Austin, Jeff Grimm, Trinity HS photo teacher and ATPI vice-president, was recognized as the eleventh Star of Texas.

"Jeff, who has taught at Trinity for 26 years, epitomizes the service that ATPI tries to provide to teachers," said Craig Coyle, ATPI President. "He is always there to provide mentoring or suggestions for teachers or students."

During the 2005 Winter Conference, Stan Godwin, Texas A&M University - Commerce professor, received the twelfth Star of Texas. And for once, Godwin was almost speechless with the surprise honor.

"Stan has played an invaluable role for the past 29 years as he has led the photography degree program at Texas A&:M University," Murray said during the presentation. "The annual Texas High School Shootout photo contest began under his guidance and he has been a strong supporter of ATPI, hosting the Summer Workshop for the past five years."

“His students are consistently some of the best college photographers in the nation,” said Bradley Wilson, ATPI past president. “But they are not only good photographers, they are good teachers at the ATPI Winter Conference and Summer Workshop for Instructors. They’ve learned their craft and developed a passion for passing on that knowledge from one of the best.”

To nominate individuals or companies for this award, please contact Craig Coyle, president of ATPI.