Under the auspices of the American Orchid Society, Judges of orchid "Quality" are trained and accredited in special "Centers" in a rigorous process lasting as long as seven years.  Hilo has such a center.  Judges who are certificated in this program are then available to make awards based on "Standards of Excellence" at orchid shows near and far.  Generally the people entering training have a wide background of experience in orchid growing and possess a deep desire to learn more about excellence in orchid blossoms.
 
Each month immediately following Hilo Orchid Society meetings, the Judges of the Hilo Judging Center practice their craft by reviewing blooming plants brought in by both HOS members, other hobbyists, local commercial orchid growers, and sometimes even judges themselves.  When levels of excellence are agreed upon by a team of certified judges, AOS awards are given.  These prestigious awards are coveted by growers around the world.  Such an award may even add value to the awarded plant!
 
All awarded and most orchid plants sold by orchid nurseries have been given official names which should always be indicated on tags inside the pots, along with an indication of which awards the plants have received.  
 
Orchids are registered at the Royal Horticultural Society in England.  Whenever a new hybrid is created by crossing two orchid plants, names are given, especialy when the new creation shows tendencies to produce those special blooms that will achieve the Standards of Excellence.  Entire databases are maintained showing pictures of awarded plants.  
 
 
Anyone interested in obtaining further information about this program may contact the Hilo Judging Center Chairperson at:  sandrasongathawaiiantel.net.  

May 11 2013

Masd. Peach Allure 'Golden Lehua' HCC/AOS
Parentage:
Award:
Cultivar:
Exhibitor: Lehua Orchids

Masd. Peach Allure 'Lehua Apricot' HCC/AOS
Parentage:
Award:
Cultivar:
Exhibitor: Lehua Orchids

Masd. Peach Allure 'Lehua Golden Joy' AM/AOS
Parentage:
Award:
Cultivar:
Exhibitor: Lehua Orchids

Masd. Peach Allure 'Lehua Golden Presence' AM/AOS
Parentage:
Award:
Cultivar:
Exhibitor: Lehua Orchids

Masd. Peach Allure AQ/AOS
Parentage:
Award:
Cultivar:
Exhibitor: Lehua Orchids

April 13 2013

Cattleya intermedia f. orlata 'Eroto' HCC/AOS
Parentage:
Award:
Cultivar:
Exhibitor: Orchid Eros

Cattleya intermedia f. orlata 'Orchid Eros' HCC/AOS
Parentage:
Award:
Cultivar:
Exhibitor: Orchid Eros

Paph. Joanna Burkhardt 'Stroke of Midnight' FCC/AOS
Parentage:
Award:
Cultivar:
Exhibitor: Hilo Orchid Farm

Paph. rothschidianum 'Red Eagle' AM/AOS
Parentage:
Award:
Cultivar:
Exhibitor: Hilo Orchid Farm

Schombocattleya Mem. Louise Fuchs 'Orchid Eros' AM/AOS
Parentage:
Award:
Cultivar:
Exhibitor: Orchid Eros