The Al Neuharth Free Spirit of the Year Award

05.30.08

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The Al Neuharth Free Spirit of the Year Award is given annually by the Freedom Forum to an individual in the news who has stirred the public's hearts and souls by demonstrating the human capacity to dream, dare and do. The award, along with an honorarium, is given to honor the winner's “free spirit” and provide the winner the opportunity to perpetuate that ideal.

The award was established in 1999 by the Freedom Forum to honor Al Neuharth, founder of the Freedom Forum, Newseum and of USA TODAY.

Al Neuharth characterizes the essence of the award in this way: “Free spirits dream, dare and do.” A free spirit also can be a risk-taker, a visionary, an innovative leader, an entrepreneur or a courageous achiever who accomplishes great things beyond his or her normal circumstances. Past recipients include Brian Lamb, founder of C-SPAN; Greg Mortenson, a humanitarian and educator; and Aung San Suu Kyi, a democratic activist from Burma.

Free Spirit Honorees are also named. Past honorees include fitness guru Jack LaLanne, surfer Bethany Hamilton, young space enthusiast Sofi Collis and civil rights activist Dorothy Height.

The Free Spirit is selected by a diverse committee of national and international members. The award is presented at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. annually in March.

To learn more about the Al Neuharth Free Spirit of the Year Award, please click a link below:

2008 Al Neuharth Free Spirit of the Year		2007 Al Neuharth Free Spirit of the Year