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Summary of medals and awards given by the American Iris Society
Medals: Each year there are Medals awarded to irises of each specific classification type. This is the top award for each AIS iris classification type. Irises are eligible as a candidate for a Medal the second year after they receive an Award of Merit (AM). One medal for each classification is given each year (except for the very popular tall bearded which awards 3 Wister Medals each year). Again, only AIS registered judges may vote. The following list details/illustrates the different Medals for the various iris classification types.
Award of Merit (AM) awards are given to irises from each classification each year. Any iris is eligible the second year after previously winning an Honorable Mention (HM). Only AIS registered judges may vote. Honorable Mention (HM) awards are awarded each year to irises of each classification. Registered bearded irises are eligible the second year after introduction. Registered beardless irises are eligible the third year after introduction. High Commendation (HC) awards are reserved for seedling irises, viewed in the garden by AIS judges, under seedling number or registered name, which have not been introduced into commerce yet. Any seedling of any established classification that receives five votes is granted an HC award. There are several popularity awards as well. These awards are voted on by any AIS members (not necessarily judges). These are voted on at AIS National and Regional conventions and by symposium ballot. These awards include the President's Cup, the Cook Cup, etc. Each year AIS accredited judges vote for a variety of awards for irises.
Full information on the
various medal
and award winners from recent years are provided: |
Dykes Memorial Medal: The Dykes Medal is the highest award of the AIS. Awarded to no more than one iris per year.
Irises are eligible as a Dykes Medal candidate for three years following
winning a classification medal. Only AIS registered judges may vote.