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September 16, 1998, was a very special day for Women In Mining members nationwide. The National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum presented WIM National with the Gary Prazen Award for outstanding efforts in promoting greater public awareness of the importance of mining. The Hall of Fame was founded on the premise that education of the general public on the importance of the mining industry was of paramount importance to its future. Therefore, it decided to award the statue to that person or organization each year that was deemed to have made the greatest contribution to public education on mining issues. This beautiful statue represents the strength, talent, and dedication of an ordinary miner. The Prazen Award was the result of a boy who was raised in a coal mining town in Utah and who grew up to become a great sculptor. Gary Prazen loved the folklore and the characters that make up the mining industry and often depicted them in his work. From bronze sculptures of mining figures, Mr. Prazen’s work has grown to include pieces in museums, and private and corporate collections worldwide. As a symbol of his appreciation for the mining industry, he created the Prazen Living Legend Award, 28-inch tall bronze statue of a miner, to be awarded annually through the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum. Previous winners are the Colorado Mining Association; the North Carolina DEHNR & Geological Survey; and the Indiana Mineral Aggregates Association. Presenting the Award to WIM National was Mr. David K. Fagin, Chairman of Western Exploration and Development Ltd. Mr. Fagin is a Director of the Mining Hall and a Prazen Award Committee Member. In his remarks, Mr. Fagin praised the WIM Education Foundation for development and copyright of the program "Minerals through Geography" to teach where the nation’s valuable minerals are located. The Foundation’s workshops for teachers, NSTA participation and resource information distribution were factors in the Committee’s decision to select WIM National for this Award. The development of our Web Site for distribution of resources, hands-on activities and links to other sources for such information was another plus for us. This past year, National made a substantial contribution to the renovation of the Geology, Gems and Minerals Hall in the Smithsonian Institution. Subsequently, the DC Chapter of Women In Mining has developed a training program for members to become docents to interpret the displays to the public. Several other groups and organizations were also being considered for this Award. The work that each of them are doing is of great value to our industry and to our country. This made the selection of this year’s recipient that much more difficult. However, Mr. Fagin said that our efforts have been of great value and that the Mining Hall wishes to encourage us to continue and to expand our efforts to develop a greater understanding on the part of the average citizen of the tremendous role played by the mining industry in providing for modern civilization’s essential needs. In accepting the Award on behalf of all Women In Mining members, National WIM President Melissa Willard said, "It is appropriate that a hearty THANK YOU be given to all of WIM’s corporate sponsors for their ongoing support. This support is what makes it possible for us to continue our educational efforts and pursue specific projects both on a chapter level and on a national level. I am very proud of all WIM has accomplished. This award is recognition for the hard work and dedication of all WIM members." 
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