David Schroeder was born in the Netherlands, the first hearing child born to deaf parents. His family emigrated to the United States so that David's older brother and sister could attend Galludet University. He appeared in community theatre productions at Prince Georges Little Theatre, Silver Spring Stage and others, and professionally at the Studio and the Source Theatre Companies. 

David was first and foremost an ensemble actor. He listened. He was focused. He radiated energy. He made everyone on stage with him a better actor. 

David's final role was the central character in the 1993 ESTA Festival winning play Echoes In the Silence, chronicling the various aspects of the human effect of AIDS. Already weakened by the disease himself, and in near constant pain, he never missed a rehearsal. He lent his spirit to the role and made it soar. 

David died in 1993. In his memory, this award is given annually to the actor, male or female, who best demonstrates his spirit in the pursuit of excellence.