Michael Sikora, Jr. was one of the original founding members of the Invitational and was on the original Committee. Mike was an Extension Community Resource Development Specialist in Plymouth County, Massachusetts. He also worked for the Massachusetts Department of Natural Resources and as Senior Forester for National Grid Company. He was good friends with Joe Yeager which is why Massachusetts was in on the original development of the Invitational.

Mike Sikora was a bear of a man, who shared Joe Yeager's vision for building a great experience for youngsters interested in natural resources. He and Joe served as co-chairs of the event until Mike's work no longer allowed him to participate, but his influence was written all over the Invitational in its formation and continuing philosophy.

Mike worked tirelessly to get Massachusetts Extension excited about the Invitational and to routinely participate in it without much success. Support for his continuation on the Committee waned within his own state Extension administration. He eventually went off the committee in the late 1980’s.

The Mike Sikora Award recognizes the state team that scores the highest point total.

• 2023 - Florida
• 2022 - Mississippi
• 2021 - Georgia
• 2019 - Arkansas
• 2018 - Alabama
• 2017 - Arkansas
• 2016 - Arkansas
• 2015 - Tennessee
• 2014 - Alabama
• 2013 - Pennsylvania
• 2012 - Tennessee
• 2011 - Georgia
• 2010 - Louisiana
• 2009 - Alabama
• 2008 - Alabama
• 2007 - Illinois
• 2006 - Illinois
• 2005 - Alabama
• 2004 - Alabama
• 2003 - Alabama
• 2002 - Alabama
• 2001 - Alabama
• 2000 - Alabama
• 1999 - West Virginia
• 1998 - Alabama
• 1997 - Alabama
• 1996 - Alabama
• 1995 - Alabama
• 1994 - Florida
• 1993 - Tennessee
• 1992 - Alabama
• 1991 - Alabama
• 1990 - Georgia
• 1989 - Alabama
• 1988 - Tennessee
• 1987 - Alabama
• 1986 - Florida
• 1985 - Tennessee
• 1984 - Alabama
• 1983 - Florida
• 1982 - Louisiana
• 1981 - Virginia
• 1980 - Massachusetts