Sandra Day O’Connor, former Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, personally accepted the Inaugural Rosalie Wynn Hearst Distinguished Public Service Award at the 12th Annual United States Senate Youth Alumni Association (USSYAA) Reception and Dinner on Friday, March 5th, 2010.
“Justice O’Connor’s unparalleled career in state, federal and international public service makes her most deserving of the Rosalie Wynn Hearst Distinguished Public Service Award,” said Chief Judge Robert H. Henry of the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals who, along with U.S. Senator Susan M. Collins (R-ME), introduced Ms. O’Connor at the dinner. Both Collins and Henry are alumni of the United States Senate Youth Program class of 1971.
“Justice O’Connor represents an independence of thought and a devotion to the principles of law that speaks to the best elements of public service. Her selection to the Supreme Court inspired millions of Americans, including the many alumni of the United States Senate Youth Program. We are deeply honored and proud that Justice O’Connor accepted our inaugural Distinguished Public Service Award,” said outgoing USSYAA President Norman Fortenberry, USSYP Alumnus, Class of 1979.
The Rosalie Wynn Hearst Distinguished Public Service Award is named for the late Rosalie Wynn Hearst, who became a second mother to 3,848 high school juniors and seniors participating as Delegates in the USSYP for almost 40 years. USSYAA was formed in 1999 to continue “Mom” Hearst’s personal involvement with Delegates. It is dedicated to building and maintaining avenues of communication among alumni, providing financial assistance for the professional educational needs of alumni, and supporting the USSYP.
