The John E. Crutchfield Award, given biennially, goes to a deaf individual deemed to exhibit distinguished leadership and service to the deaf in North Carolina during the previous two (2) years. This award is given in memory of the late John E. Crutchfield who devoted his life to the service and betterment of Deaf people as a leader in North Carolina during 1960 to 1975 period before his untimely passing.