FREEDOMS FOUNDATION AT VALLEY FORGE RECOGNIZES SEVEN MERITORIOUS WINNERS IN NATIONAL AWARDS PROGRAM

VALLEY FORGE, PA (PRWEB) October 28, 2000 -- Six exceptional American individuals and one school earned meritorious recognition for patriotic and community works in the 51st annual presentation of the National Awards by Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge.

The seven were part of 163 individuals and groups that earned recognition in four categories -- Community, School, Military Essay, Youth Essay/Speech. Initiated in 1949, the National Awards recognize exceptional efforts of organizations, individuals, schools, and corporations that promote an understanding of responsible citizenship.

"The National Awards recognizes those Americans who have taken pride in their communities and their nation and who have helped shaped future generations by acting as role models within their own community," said Lt. Gen. Robert E. Kelley, USAF (Ret), president of Freedoms Foundation.

Earning meritorious recognition were:
Hazel Brown, Dallas, TX (tie) -- Adult Community
Nina Coake, Fontana, CA (tie) -- Adult Community
Ellen Bess McCullough, Dallas, TX -- Youth Community
Daniel Webster High School, Tulsa, OK -- School
Cadet TSgt. Katie Black, Mt. Gilead, NC (first meritorious) -- Youth Military
Cadet Lt. Col. Eric Inkenbrandt, Mt. Gilead, N.C. (second meritorious) -- Youth Military
Ashlee Mouton, Metairie, LA -- Youth Essay/Speech

Meritorious winners in each category receive a George Washington Honor Plaque, while the Youth/Essay and Youth Military Essay recipients also receive a $100 US Savings Bond. Award winners will be honored during local award ceremonies hosted by the 29 Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge chapters across the country.

An independent panel that included State Supreme Court justices from Pennsylvania and Delaware and civic, service and social organizations from across the country judged the awards.

"The National Awards served as the genesis of Freedoms Foundation and they continue to provide examples of role models and community leaders throughout the country," said Deborah Bathen, Director of Awards for Freedoms Foundation. "These meritorious recipients represent all the wonderful things being done in our communities."

The National Awards were established in 1949 by the founders of the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge to recognize individuals making contributions to their communities and the nation, and who serve as role models for others. Since its inception, the National Awards program has honored more than 55,000 Americans.

Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge is home to the Spirit of America, a youth leadership program that offers a unique intellectual and emotional journey. It is a conference created "by the students, for the students," where participants examine their responsibilities while seeking their identity as Americans. The foundation also hosts summer graduate level history courses for educators and is home to the Leavey Awards for Excellence in Private Enterprise Education.

For a complete listing of 2000 National Awards recipients, please visit www.FreedomsFoundation.com.
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