The Quaboag Highlanders honor three people each year by recognizing the qualities they possess.

The oldest of these awards is the Ed Casey Heart O'Gold award. This was presented to Ed Casey himself at the very first Celtic Ball. Ed Casey was a piper for the Springfield Kilty Band. Anyone who has been in the piping community for a while knew Ed. They knew him as much for his charitable contributions as they did as a piper. He never kept a cent that he earned from piping. The Open Pantry was one of his favorite beneficiaries. Not only did he contribute monetarily, but he also contributed his time as a volunteer. He will forever be remembered as "Reverend Ed" especially to those on Hungry Hill. His memory will forever live with us by honoring a person each year who, through their music and generosity, contributes to their communities.

To coincide with our Fifth Annual Celtic Ball we decided to honor two members of our own band who demonstrate the admirable qualities of two members who have passed on.

The Owen Clark Perseverance Award is given to a piper who shares the same qualities that made Owen special. Those qualities would be perseverance, dedication, commitment, and a true devotion to the pipes.

The Rich Gilmore award is given to a drummer who personifies Rich Gilmore's spirit. Rich was our very first Drum Major and a very unique individual. Rich marched to the beat of a different drummer, but always kept our band marching to our own beat.

The memory of these three men will live forever with the Quaboag Highlanders.