In an effort to recognize and celebrate individuals that are committed to helping RIAAO prosper; the Association organizes an Annual Leadership Awards Ceremony. The following are past award recipients.
Distinguished RIAAO Member Award
| Owen Bligh | Providence College |
| Caitlin Cotter | University of Rhode Island |
| Jennifer Mullen | Rhode Island College |
| Jude A. Tomasino | Community College of Rhode Island |
| Katie McAtee | Bryant University |
| Erin Flynn | New England Institute of Technology |
| Erik DeAngelis | Salve Regina University |
| Stacey Vanasse | Bryant University |
| Lucy Rios-Saunders | Rhode Island College |
| Erin West | University of Rhode Island |
| John Drew | Bryant University |
| Beth Boulay | Bryant University |
| Amanda Warhurst-Webster | Salve Regina University |
| Amy Redfearn | Bryant College |
| Kim Washor | University of Rhode Island |
| Nick Figueroa | Bryant College |
| Holly Shadoian | Rhode Island College |
| Colleen Emerson | Salve Regina University |
| Terri Kless | Community College of Rhode Island |
| Bernard Blumenthal | Bryant College |
| Gloria McMurrough | Roger Williams University |
| Michaela Moony | University of Rhode Island |
| Beth Fusco | Providence College |
| Nancy Parcheski | Bryant College |
Distinguished Friend of RIAAO Award
| Sarah Barnardo | Omni Hotel |
| Jennifer Lariviere | Academy Bus |
| Ron Heroux | Newport Tour Guide |
| Myles Ridder | School Guides Publications |
| Ken Mouning | www.KREOnline.net |
| Donald Tencher | Rhode Island College |
| Hope Schacter | RI Office of Higher Education |
| Judah Larkin | Hope HS |
| Joseph Calabro | CPA |
| Amy Redfearn | RIAAO Clearing House Coordinator |
| Hope Curry | Bryant University |
| Dave DeBlois | College Planning Center of RI |
| Eugene Knott | University of Rhode Island |
| John Chica | Children’s Crusade |
| Ray Adams | Providence Journal |
| Edna Mattson | CCRI |
| Ron Welby | Providence Journal |
Distinguished Guidance Counselor Award
| Steven Rotundo | LaSalle Academy |
| David Tedeschi | Dr. Jorge Alvarez HS |
| Cheryl Leaver | South Kingstown HS |
| Bill Pepin | North Smithfield HS |
| Edmond “Eddy” Heroux | La Salle Academy |
| Patrick O’Brien | East Providence HS |
| Donald Fraser | The Met School |
| Susan Tessier | Mount St Charles Academy |
| Jimps Jean-Louis | Central HS |
| Barbara J. Crudale | South Kingston HS |
| Belinda Wilkerson | East Providence HS |
| Arthur Lisi | Coventry HS |
| Kevin Quinn | South Kingston HS |
| Betty Gomes | Portsmouth HS |
| Lawrence Byrne | Seekonk HS |
| Louis Toro | Classical HS |
| Joseph Adamec | Bishop Hendricken HS |
| Edward Cronan | East Providence HS |
| Marsha Aaronson | South Kingstown HS |
| Cheryl Crowley | Ponaganset HS |
| Sonja Murra | Ponaganset HS |