The Jefferson Award
In 2010, Stuart Jacobson received Washington State’s most prestigious humanitarian honor — recognizing nearly two decades of selfless advocacy for children in licensed child care.
Stuart Jacobson receiving the Washington State Jefferson Award at the CityClub ceremony, April 2010
A Recognition of Service
On April 26, 2010, Stuart Jacobson of Bellevue was named the Washington State Jefferson Award winner at a CityClub-sponsored breakfast ceremony in Seattle. Washington Secretary of State Sam Reed personally presented the award.
Jacobson was selected from five finalists drawn from 187 statewide nominations — a testament to the breadth of impact his nearly 19 years of work with Parents for Safe Child Care had made across Washington communities.
Following his local win, Stu was chosen by public vote — after KING 5’s Evening Magazine aired profiles of all Washington winners — to represent Washington State at the 2010 National Jefferson Awards ceremony at the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington D.C. on June 21, 2010.
Washington State has produced nearly 30% of all National Jefferson Award winners since 1972, and holds the distinction of running the longest continuous Jefferson Awards community program in the United States.
It’s reaffirming and inspiring to be reminded of the grassroots care and work that supports the fabric of our community. Stuart and all of the nominees really are everyday heroes and it’s wonderful to have the opportunity to celebrate them.— Diane Douglas, CityClub Executive Director
Award Highlights
Chosen from
187 statewide nominations
Presented by
WA Secretary of State Sam Reed
Local ceremony
CityClub Breakfast, Seattle — April 26, 2010
National ceremony
U.S. Supreme Court, Washington D.C. — June 21, 2010
Selected as
Washington State's National Nominee by public vote
Why Stu Was Honored
Nearly 19 years of selfless, passionate dedication — guided by a simple motto.
Parent Education
Worked tirelessly to educate parents on health and safety standards in licensed child care environments across Washington State.
Cross-Sector Collaboration
Built bridges between parents, educators, child care providers, and state licensors to improve safety and accountability together.
Policy Advocacy
Advocated for safer standards in Olympia and nationally, representing the voice of consumer-based child care nonprofits at the highest levels.
19 Years of Service
By the time of the award, Stu had dedicated nearly two decades to the cause — fueled not by recognition, but by genuine commitment to children.
Statewide Reach
His work extended across Washington, reaching communities from Bellevue to Olympia and beyond, wherever children needed safer care.
"For the Sake of the Children"
Stu's guiding motto encapsulates the heart of the organization's mission — every action taken in service of the children who cannot advocate for themselves.
Washington’s 2010 Unsung Heroes
Stu was named the winner from a remarkable group of five finalists — each a testament to the extraordinary depth of civic service in Washington State.
Enid Gage & Peg Rowbotham (posthumous)
Ellensburg
Created Hospice Friends, an organization in Kittitas County that protects the final days of an individual's life with dignity and compassionate care.
Rani Hong
Olympia
A survivor of slavery who contributed to the passage of over five precedent-setting laws in Washington, making the state a national leader for addressing human trafficking. She also opened the state's first shelter for survivors.
Trish Millines Dziko
Seattle
Cofounder and Executive Director of the Technology Access Foundation (TAF), which prepares underserved children of color for higher education and professional success.
Betty Tisdale
Seattle
A tireless champion of orphans in developing countries and founder of Helping and Loving Orphans (HALO), working with orphanages around the world to care for the most vulnerable children.
About the Jefferson Awards
America’s most prestigious public service recognition
The Jefferson Awards for Public Service were founded in 1972 by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, U.S. Senator Robert Taft Jr., and Samuel Beard. They recognize outstanding volunteerism and public service at both local and national levels — celebrating “ordinary people who do extraordinary things without expectation of recognition.”
Washington State has a remarkable legacy with these awards, producing nearly 30% of all National Winners since 1972 and operating the nation’s longest-running Jefferson Awards community program.
After receiving the local award, Stu appeared on KING 5’s New Day Northwest and his story was featured on Evening Magazine — reaching viewers across Washington State and inspiring others to get involved in their communities.
Learn more about the Jefferson AwardsHelp Us Continue Stu’s Legacy
The Jefferson Award recognized what we’ve always known — that advocacy for children’s safety is worthy of every effort. Support our mission to keep making a difference.