The Spirit of America Award is given to individuals who were born abroad and have enriched our Pacific Northwest region by sharing their ethnic backgrounds while pursuing their chosen profession. It is presented at a special reception held in cooperation with the City of Seattle, the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce and the American Immigration Lawyers’ Association. The Spirit of America Heritage Award is presented to a Native American who epitomizes the Spirit of America.
2004
Marianne Forssblad, Director of the Nordic Heritage Museum
Yaffa Maritz, Founder of the Stroum Jewish Community Parenting Center
Hezekiah Orji, President of the Nigerian Community Association of Washington
Son Michael Pham, Founder of Kids Without Borders
Spirit of America Heritage Award – Cecile Hansen, Chairwoman of the Duwamish Tribe
1999
Ark Chin, Chairman Emeritus of Kramer, Chin & Mayo Inc., a founder of the Kin On Nursing Home and Member of the University of Washington Board of Regents
Dr. George E. Taylor, Founder of the University of Washington’s Far Eastern and Russian Institute, precursor to the Jackson School and Founding President of the Washington Council on International Trade
Hazel Wolf, Recipient of the National Audubon Society’s Medal of Excellence, State of Washington “Citizen of the Century” and Secretary of the Seattle Audubon Society since 1964.
Spirit of America Heritage Award – Vi Hilbert Tahqwshublo, Upper Skagit Elder, author, teacher and a leader of the Lushootseed people and declared a Washington State Living Treasure in 1989
Photo courtesy of Jal Schrof.