Recipients recognized at the World’s Fair of Money® Member Donor Reception
The American Numismatic Association (ANA) formally recognized David Heinrich and Jason Paonessa for their contributions to the hobby and the Association on August 11 during the Member Donor Reception at the Anaheim World’s Fair of Money.
Lawrence J. Gentile Sr. Memorial Award for Outstanding Adult Advisor
In appreciation of his mentorship and exceptional contributions, David Heinrich was named the 2016 Lawrence J. Gentile Sr. Outstanding Adult Advisor. This award is presented annually to an individual who has recruited and coached Young Numismatists, while aiding in the development of intermediate to advanced young collectors.
The ANA recognizes that without strong adult leaders and mentors, numismatic youth cannot grow and learn to enjoy the wonderful hobby of coin collecting.
“I am honored to have received the Lawrence J. Gentile Sr. Adult Advisor Award. Helping young people and their families discover the adventure that numismatics can provide is a reward in itself,” said David. “Many people in this hobby did that for my family and I want to be part of that continuing effort.”
David is the epitome of an adult advisor. He has made it his mission to encourage, assist, and help YNs grow as individuals. In his home club, David inspires YNs to attend meetings and ensures that they are included in the club activities, decisions, and future projects.
For the Central States Numismatic Society (CSNS) conventions, David manages both the YN booth and the Boy Scout merit badge program. David remains diligent in teaching and sharing his devotion with young collectors across the country.
Young Numismatist of the Year
Jason Paonessa of Racine, Wisconsin, was named the ANA’s Young Numismatist of the Year. The award annually acknowledges a young collector for contributions to the hobby and industry.
The son of Joe and Janis Paonessa, Jason began collecting at age six when his father brought him a Kennedy half dollar from a local club meeting.
“I thought the coin was really cool and started collecting them and have been ever since,” said Jason.
In 2011 Paonessa placed first in the Central States Numismatic Society’s junior division exhibit competition, and he won the CSNS’ Mark Petty Memorial Award for his display “The David R. Cervin Ancient Coin Project” in 2015.
Paonessa has earned the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest achievement in the Boy Scouts of America. He has participated in numerous service projects with the organization, including Scouting for Food and hosting the Disabled American Veterans picnic with his troop. Paonessa attends Walden III High School and hopes to pursue a counseling/psychology degree, possibly at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
He offers this advice for new collectors:
“Find a local coin club and start attending. You can learn a lot [at these] meetings. It’s also important to attend coin shows so you can further your collection. You can ask dealers any questions you have about the coins so you can know more about what you are collecting.”
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