The Jefferson Awards is a national program recognizing outstanding community and public service. The program was established by the American Institute for Public Service, an organization founded by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, U.S. Senator Robert Taft, Jr. and Sam Beard in 1972.

Recipients of the Jefferson Awards are individuals who recognize and give new meaning to the old adage that "one person can make a difference."

The Evansville Courier & Press brought the Jefferson Awards program to the Tri-State in 2000. The newspaper joined a nationwide network of 56 media affiliates from 40 states that honor individuals who make outstanding service contributions to their respective communities.

This year, three Jefferson Award winners will be selected from the Tri-State. Each one of these the outstanding volunteers will exemplify a dedication and concern for others and truly make our community a better place.

One of the three local recipients will be chosen by a national panel of judges to represent our community at the national Jefferson Awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.

Jefferson Awards are also presented on a national level to recipients whose public service has impacted the country as a whole. Names of past winners evoke memories of America's greatest achievements over the past quarter of a century. They include: Barbara Bush, Rosalynn Carter, Walter Cronkite, John Gardner, Katharine Graham, Alan Greenspan, Henry Kissinger, Wendy Kopp and Colin Powell.

2006 Jefferson Award Winners
Rev. Adrian M. Brooks, Sr.
Holly Dunn Pendleton
Mike Whicker

2005 Jefferson Award Winners
Officers Billy Bolin & Paul Kirby
Wilfred C. “Bill” Bussing III
Phyllis Kincaid

2004 Jefferson Award Winners
Sarah & David Kaufman
Estella M. Moss
Honorable Wayne S. Trockman

2003 Jefferson Award Winners
Pat Coslett
Bridget McDaniel
Sr. Jane Nesmith, SBS

2002 Jefferson Award Winners
William "Harold" Calloway
Gary May
Mary Roberson

2001 Jefferson Award Winners
Bernadine Jones
Sister Mary George Kissel, O.S.B.
William “Bill” Vieth

2000 Jefferson Award Winners
Jim Coy
Jim Fowler
Shirley James
Helen McKinney
Willie Effie Thomas