Awarded annually, the Gold Honor Medal represents the highest accolade and recognition that the American Rose Society can bestow on an individual ARS Member. The eight members of the National Prizes and Awards Committee, appointed by the four Regional Directors, comprise the authority granted by the Board of Directors to administer in strict confidence the nomination and selection of the recipient.
Nominees made by the members of the Prizes & Award Committee must be current members of the American Rose Society and have at least 12 years of service on the National level diligently providing outstanding meritorious sustained service to the Rose, its culture, education, promotion and conservation, yielding exemplary service in support of the mission of the American Rose Society.

This award has been established at the express wish and consent of the late Joseph and Marion Klima of Fairfield, California to recognize the highest levels of excellence in the field of horticultural education concerning “The Rose.”

This award is established in memory of Guy Blake Hedrick, Jr. to recognize outstanding rose exhibitors who display the highest levels of excellence, integrity, and respect for the ideals of showing roses typified by Mr. Hedrick during his long career as a rosarian. It is intended as a life-long achievement award for an exhibitor who has been a successful National, District, and local exhibitor, and also a model in sharing his/her knowledge in growing championship roses.

Do you know a Rising Star in the world of roses? To celebrate the accomplishments of younger rosarians, the new ARS Rising Star Awards will recognize the work young rosarians who are supporting the culture, preservation and appreciation of the rose. Up to 5 people age 45 years or younger are eligible to win each year. They need not be an ARS member but they must be nominated by an ARS member. Their work can include but is not limited to the areas of Rose Education, Research, Preservation, Industry, Hybridizing, Photography, Arranging, Culinary Arts, Art, Design, Innovation, ARS and Local Society Volunteering. Each winner will be acknowledged at the ARS Fall convention, in  American Rose magazine and will receive a free one-year membership to ARS.