American Spirit is a unique asset, one that may have different meanings for each of us yet has common threads such as the ideals of freedom, independence, fair play and working for the common good. Recognizing these qualities in individuals is what the American Spirit Honoree Awards are all about.
Now in its tenth year, the American Spirit Project, which is funded by local citizens, will give eleven individual awards consisting of a $300 cash award and a handmade plaque. Awards will be varied with one going to Military – Major/Mayor Brent Taylor (posthumous); Youth City Councils – Pleasant View, North Ogden and Circleville ,Utah; High School – graduating students at Fremont, Weber and Capstone Classical; Law Enforcement – Weber County Sheriff’s Department, North Ogden PD, and Pleasant View PD; and one to an as yet unnamed local citizen.
The first award went to Major/Mayor Brent Taylor in December and was received by Jennie Taylor, his widow. Most of the awards will be given in May. Youth City Council awards will be given at City Council meetings; High School students will receive their awards at at their Awards Assemblies; and Law Enforcements awards will be given at City Council meetings or County Commission meetings.
The American Spirit Project was inspired by a newspaper article in 2009 reporting the death of a young soldier from Cache Valley. This led to the Essay Contest for Weber School District students, 4th through 12th grade in 2010 and 2011, and was followed by a public essay contest on themes of American Spirit from 2012 to 2017. In 2018, Honoree awards were given to Youth City Councils and graduating high school students. Following the current Honoree awards in 2019 the public will have an opportunity to write essays on the theme – “Your 20-20 Vision for America in 2020.” A cash award of $1000 will be offered for the Best Essay.
Our goal is to promote positive thoughts about the future of our country and to bring clarity about the current state of confusion, contention and conflict in America today. The year 2020 promises to be a time of internal conflicts and confrontations with national elections in Congress and the Presidency.The essay contest will wrap up during the Thanksgiving Holiday this year. To participate, see our ad in this issue of the magazine. We sincerely appreciate the hundreds who have taken time to participate over the past ten years by writing essays. Furthermore, we appreciate those who have been a living example of American Spirit and for the moral and financial support of local citizens.