WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 18) – The nation’s highest honor for community service is being awarded to former NFL wide receiver James Thrash and four other extraordinary individuals and organizations whose selfless, noble and compassionate work has improved the lives of countless people and amplified our nation’s collective commitment to helping one another and contributing to the larger good.
This year’s Jefferson Awards – now in their 42nd year – recognize contributions to service in five separate categories, including: Greatest Public Service by an Elected or Appointed Official; Outstanding Service in Professional Sports; Greatest Public Service by an Individual 35 or Under; Greatest Public Service by a Private Citizen; and Greatest Public Service Benefiting the Disadvantaged, as well as additional honors for youth and other “unsung” heroes throughout the nation.
After 12 successful seasons as a wide receiver with the Washington Redskins and Philadelphia Eagles, James Thrash became head of player development for the Redskins. This role ignited a passion for him to serve the current, as well as, former players. This passion led him to his current role, working for the NFL in player engagement.
Thrash currently spends his time motivating and inspiring people. He speaks to school groups on the importance of leadership and character and teaches life skills to youth and adults. Thrash also sits on the board of the Good Shepherd Alliance and the Salvation Army. He is a supporter of the “Love Project”, a project that actively seeks out to meet the immediate needs of those in Loudoun County, Va.
“Each year, we gather in our nation’s capital to recognize civic leaders who have exemplified the spirit of public service,” said Joseph N. Sanberg, Chairman of the Jefferson Awards Foundation. “By doing so, we honor the millions of other Americans who offer their time, their talents and their resources to the selfless cause of making others’ lives better. No matter the size of the effort, making a positive difference in another person’s life is a cause for celebration, and it brings great satisfaction to all of us to see the Jefferson Awards Foundation’s message of public service be such an integral part of community-building across this great country.”
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About the Jefferson Awards Foundation
BUILDING A CULTURE OF SERVICE
The Jefferson Awards Foundation is the country’s longest standing and most prestigious organization dedicated to activating and celebrating public service. Through our programs we train and empower individuals to serve and lead in their communities, amplifying their impact through our vast networkof media partners, mentors and volunteers. Each year, we honor the most outstanding achievements in public service at the Jefferson Awards National Ceremonies.
SCHOOLS, COMMUNITIES, WORKPLACES
The Jefferson Awards Foundation is committed to tapping into the incredible capacity and spirit of young people. Through our Students In Action, Lead360 Challenge, and GlobeChangers programs we support, train and empower today’s youth to be leaders, problem solvers, entrepreneurs and impactful global citizens. We identify and celebrate local unsung heroes who serve in communities across the country through our vast network of media partners, and we have partnered with 23 prestigious corporate and university Champions to build a culture of service in workplaces and on campuses.