Date & Time
The Founding Forward Dallas Area Chapter (DAC) held its 53rd annual awards dinner, “Accolades,” on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at the Communities Foundation of Texas. DAC President Trasa Cobern provided opening and closing remarks and presented the special Dallas Area Chapter President’s Salute award to the family of City of Dallas Police Officer Darron Burks, who was tragically killed in the line of duty on August 29, 2024. . David Harmer, Founding Forward’s National Director, gave a very informative talk about our new organization and a short video entitled “Follow Us Forward” was shown. Dr. Ben Voth, Director of SMU Speech and Debate Programs, gave the invocation and served as master of ceremonies during the national award presentations. The Boy Scout Troop 707 Color Guard presented and retired the colors.
Honored this year were 12 people or organizations selected for “doing good work in their communities to bring about the best in the spirit of America.” Presenting the honorees with the prestigious national George Washington Honor Medal (GWHM) were Trasa Cobern, Lynn Hidell (DAC Awards Vice President), and Julie Grigsby (Highland Park McCullough Middle School Teacher and former DAC Education Vice President).
Six students were honored in the Student Essay category for their outstanding essays on the topic: “Why are responsible citizens important to our system of government? What can I do to develop the necessary traits to become one and encourage others to do so as well?” The students were Hannah Corder, Constance Olvera Irigoyen, Isabel Luu, Slone McNutt, James Park, and Elle Viguerie.
Honored in the Adult Community category were 6 Stone Mission Network (A catalyst of Hope), Ellie Crosland (Be Kind, Be Inclusive, Be Super Duper), and Texas Ranger Jon Gray (Military/Soldiers Project). Scout Troop 707 was honored for its Lake Highlands American Flag Project in the Youth Community Category. Honored in the Public Communications category were Dallas News contributing columnist Dallas Cothrum (Celebrating Independence Day) and Bush Institute Senior Editorial Advisor William McKenzie (Bringing History Lessons to Life).
Award selections are determined by a distinguished independent National Awards jury panel comprised of officers from national service, civics, veterans, and educational organizations.
Special thanks to our event sponsors: Presenting Sponsors Cotton Wealth Management Associates, Sue & Phil John, Kay & Wes Poynor, and Carolyn Willard; Shield Sponsors Lynn & Bill Hidell and Julie & Pierce Noble; Minuteman Sponsors Trasa & Kyle Cobern, Sue & Phil John, and John Blake; Spirit of ’76 Sponsors Ann & Dennis D’Amico; and Eagle Scouts Sponsor Sam Bonney.
Special recognition also goes to Accolades chairman Lynn Hidell, Dennis D’Amico for program planning and printing, Shirley Smith for handling the reservations and table assignments, Jack Smith for the name badges and photos, Cindy Crouse for the flowers, Julie Noble and Ann Beatty for helping with the set-up, and the check-in team of Honey Dodge, Susan Rogers, and Ann D’Amico.
Founding Forward’s work and mission is made possible through voluntary contributions. We need your support to ensure a future rooted in liberty. Please join our efforts to uphold our democratic system of government with your tax-deductible contribution.
