The Denver Astronomical Society is proud to announce that Cate Davis is the 2025 recipient of the Doveed Levy Youth Service Award. Cate’s dedication, curiosity, and passion for sharing astronomy with others make her a shining example of what this award is all about.
About Cate
Cate has been a DAS member and volunteer since 2022. During that time, she has taken on some big responsibilities—especially her work helping train other operators to become certified on the historic 20-inch telescope at Chamberlin Observatory. Cate also brings astronomy to the community through school outreach programs across the Denver Metro Area, where she helps students and families explore science and the night sky.
When she’s not volunteering with DAS, Cate loves learning. She enjoys reading about chaos mathematics and chemistry, and she is part of a competitive robotics team where she builds new engineering skills. Her excitement for science shows in everything she does.
About the Award
The Doveed Levy Youth Service Award (DLYSA) was created in 2024 to honor Doveed (David) Levy, a modern-day comet hunter and one of the discoverers of the famous Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9. As a teenager in the 1960s, Dr. Levy was a Junior member of DAS while receiving medical treatment in Denver. Today, he continues to observe from his home observatory and serves as the Society’s Poet Laureate, opening meetings with his inspiring words.
Each year, this award recognizes DAS members age 19 or younger who show outstanding service to the Society and the public. Applicants track their volunteer hours, document their outreach work, and provide recommendations from adult members who have seen their efforts firsthand. A panel of DAS leaders reviews the applications using a ranked-order system, and winners are announced by November 1.
Recognizing Exceptional Service
This year’s selection committee—Linda Scholes and Pam Morrow—reviewed a competitive group of applicants. Their thoughtful work and dedication to the process helped identify a truly deserving winner, and the Society extends its sincere thanks to them both as well as the other applicants.
Cate will receive a framed certificate and a $250 award. She will also be considered for nomination for the Astronomical League’s Horkheimer/Smith Award, a national honor for outstanding youth in astronomy.
Dr. Levy himself will present the Doveed Levy Youth Service Award to Cate at the 2025 DAS Holiday Banquet, making the moment even more special.
Keep Looking Up
Cate’s achievements remind us how bright the future of astronomy can be when young people share their passion, curiosity, and willingness to serve. The Denver Astronomical Society is honored to recognize her work and excited to watch her continue her journey among the stars.
Clear skies and happy stargazing!
