The Besserung (Community Betterment) Award is often referred to as the outstanding citizen’s award for New Braunfels. It is designed to be presented to an individual who is currently providing a significant contribution to the community through civic activities. This awardee might have been active for more than just the past year or two, however, the emphasis is to reward the sacrifices made by a volunteer leader on a current basis. The recipient’s name is a secret until presentation at the Annual Banquet.
The Besserung Award is bestowed by the Awards Committee. The Awards Committee consists of six members serving six-year staggered terms with a new member being appointed each year by the Chair of the Board. The member with the longest service on the committee is automatically Chair.
| 2022 – Kathy Meurin | 2021 – Anne Miller | 2020 – Michael Meek | 2019 – Ray Still |
| 2018 – Joe Castilleja | 2017 – Rusty Brockman | 2016 – Ron Reaves | 2015 – Barron Casteel |
| 2014 – Mary Jane Nalley | 2013 – Doy Cole | 2012 – Jan Kennady | 2011 – Jay Brewer |
| 2010 – Ron Friesenhahn | 2009 – Mario Luna | 2008 – Danny Scheel | 2007 – Bruce Boyer |
| 2006 – Monroe Miller | 2005 – Marian Benson | 2004 – John Lovett | 2003 – Kenneth Fiedler |
| 2002 – Moe Schwab | 2001 – Edmund Kuempel | 2000 – Linden Anderson | 1999 – Iris Schumann |
| 1998 – Ramon Chapa, Sr. | 1997 – Helmuth & Doris Salge | 1996 – Carter Casteel | 1995 – Bobbie Purdum |
| 1994 – Dennis Heitkamp | 1993 – Helgard Suhr | 1992 – S. D. David, Jr. | 1991 – David Lamon |
| 1990 – Janelle Berger | 1989 – Jean Pfeuffer | 1988 – Douglas R. Miller | 1987 – W. T. Ellis |
| 1986 – Hortense & Pat Hernandez | 1985 – Roxolin Krueger | 1984 – Joe Rogers | 1983 – Laverne Eberhard |
| 1982 – Bill & Nan Dillen | 1981 – Doyle Krueger | 1980 – Margaret Naegelin | 1979 – Tom Purdum |
| 1979 – Stanley M. Woodward | 1978 – Herb Skoog | 1977 – Jack Ohlrich | 1976 – Frank DePasqual |
| 1975 – Carroll U. Hoffmann | 1974 – S. T. Burrus | 1973 – E. P. “Pete” Nowotny | 1972 – Paul Jahn |
| 1971 – H. C. McKenna | 1970 – Elliot Knox | 1969 – Herb Schneider | 1968 – Alfred Liebscher |
| 1967 – A. D. “Pete” Nuhn | 1966 – Merritt Schumann | 1965 – Millie Karbach | 1964 – Oscar Haas |
