Jefferson Awards for Public Service July 10, 2007

In 1972, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis with Senator Robert Taft, Jr. and Sam Beard founded the American Institute for Public Service to create a Nobel Prize for public and community service. Since 1973, the Jefferson Awards have been presented in five categories. The categories were created by the Jefferson Awards board to reflect the full range of service to America - from top elected officials to neighborhood volunteers. Categories range from "Greatest public service by an elected official" to "Outstanding public service benefiting local communities."

Some past winners include: President Jimmy Carter, Bob Hope, Jerry Lewis, Dr. Henry Kissinger, Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, Oprah Winfrey, Katharine Graham and Paul Newman.

Jefferson Award for Public Service Bobby Beagles Bobby has served as a volunteer for Orange County for more than 15 years. He is President of the Orange County Farm Bureau and the Christmas Civic Organization.

Bobby Beagles Bobby is past-President of the Orange County Agriculture Advisory Board and Cattlemen’s Association. He also has been instrumental in emergency response heading up the Sheriff’s Office large animal evacuation team. Bobby led the way rounding up all the stray livestock that wandered off during the 2004 hurricanes. Mr. Beagles exemplifies the difference one person can make in our community.

Michael Jester Coordinator, Child Advancement/Family Empowerment (CAFE) Program

Jefferson Award for Public Service July 10, 2007