Oct. 1 in Omaha! Get tickets here!
Each year at our Morrison-Exon dinner, which is our annual fundraising event, we celebrate the volunteers and party leaders who build and grow the Nebraska Democratic Party.
Past speakers have included Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Sen. Ben Nelson, Rep. Ro Khanna, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Sen. Senator Jeff Merkley, former Rep. and now Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, current Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison.
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On June 29, 2018, the State Central Committee voted to approve changing names of our annual awards to reflect Nebraska leaders. Previously, our state party honored national Democratic leaders with awards named after them, however Chair Jane Kleeb and the leadership team believed it was critical we honor Nebraska leaders in naming our awards.
Note that recipients of past awards are still listed below.
Award Descriptions
Bob Kerrey Volunteer Award
Nominees for this award should be volunteers who personify the spirit of the Nebraska Democratic Party. The award is given to an individual who is tireless in supporting the Nebraska Democratic Party, county parties and candidates’ campaigns within District 1, 2, and 3, respectively. An award is given to one volunteer per Congressional District. Bob Kerrey served our state as Governor from 1983 to 1987, as a U.S. Senator from 1989 to 2001 and was a candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1992. Kerrey served our nation on the 9/11 Commission and was awarded the Medal of Honor for his service during Vietnam as a Navy SEAL.
Ben Nelson County Party Volunteer Award
Nominees should be a County Party volunteer who has worked tirelessly to promote the activities and values of the Democratic Party in their county. Nominees should demonstrate a dedication to service, integrity, the organizing of their county party infrastructure, and support for local Democratic candidates. Senator Ben Nelson served our state as Governor from 1991 to 1999 and as U.S. Senator from 2001 to 2013. Nelson founded the CHIP program ensuring kids in our state had access to health insurance. A champion for the environment and property rights, Nelson denied a nuclear waste dump from being built in the Sandhills.
Frank LaMere Hall of Fame Award
Nominees should be a former or current elected County Party officer, State Party officer or an elected official who are dedicated to the principles of the Nebraska Democratic Party and who have contributed above and beyond the call of duty to the Nebraska Democratic Party along with local issues that impact the state and national level. This is the highest award given by the Nebraska Democratic Party. Frank LaMere was the first Native American to serve as a DNC member and he founded both the state and national Native American Caucus. LaMere was the longest serving Native American on the DNC. He was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention seven consecutive times from 1988 to 2012. LaMere also served as the NDP’s First Associate Chair. LaMere dedicated his life to social justice and helped close down illegal beer sales at Whiteclay, NE, just across the border from the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.
Sunshine Award
Nominees should be individuals who are dedicated to improving both the Nebraska Democratic Party and their community as an ally to our Democratic values. The award is open to any ally working or volunteering in the community and do not have to be serving in a party role. This award is given in honor of Carrie Howard, sister of Senator Sara Howard and daughter of Senator Gwen Howard.
Anne Boyle Young Democrat Award
Nominees for this award should be a young person (using the age criteria of the Young Democrats which is under 35-years-old) honored for their exceptional volunteer activities and participation within the Nebraska Young Democrats organization and the State Party. Commissioner Anne Boyle was the first woman to serve on the Public Service Commission and served three, six-year terms beginning in1996. Boyle was our State Party Chair from 1998 to 2001. Boyle was committed to lifting young people up and mentoring fellow Democrats.
State Party Chair Award
Nominations are not accepted for this award. The State Party Chair designates a person in the Party for this annual award.
State Senator Courage Award: Nominees should be a current State Senator who shows conviction, support for our party’s platform and leadership on tough issues.
Past Award Recipients
2021
State Senator Courage Award: Senator Machaela Cavanaugh for standing up for working moms and our Democratic values as an exceptional leader among senators.
Carrie Howard Sunshine Award: Meg Mikolajczyk for being an advocate for women and improving both the larger Nebraska community while showing respect for those who need an extra hand.
Anne Boyle Young Democrat Award: Ben Cass for showing exceptional volunteer activities and commitment to our Democratic values as a young leader within the state party.
Bob Kerrey CD1 Volunteer Award: Chris McCoy for personifying the spirit and values of the Democratic Party as an exceptional volunteer in the First Congressional District.
Bob Kerrey CD2 Volunteer Award: Dulce Sherman for personifying the spirit and values of the Democratic Party as an exceptional volunteer in the Second Congressional District.
Bob Kerrey CD3 Volunteer Award: Marci Docekal for personifying the spirit and values of the Democratic Party as an exceptional volunteer in the Third Congressional District.
Ben Nelson County Party Award: Terry Sigler for leading the way at the local level where it matters most and for contributing leadership to the state and Lincoln County Party.
Anne Boyle Young Democrat Award: Ben Cass for showing exceptional volunteer activities and commitment to our Democratic values as a young leader within the state party.
State Party Chair Kleeb Award: State AFL-CIO President Sue Martin for serving as a key union leader who lifts up the voices of working people and is an ally to the entire Democratic Party.
Frank LaMere Hall of Fame Award: Preston Love for his lifetime of achievements and commitment to voters, candidates, elected officials, and the state party while exemplifying the word service.
2020
Bob Kerrey Volunteer Award, CD1: Emma Craig
Bob Kerrey Volunteer Award, CD2: Women Who Run, Denise Blaya Powell + Leanne Prewitt
Bob Kerrey Volunteer Award, CD3: Chair Kris Kinzie
Ben Nelson County Party Volunteer Award: Chair Janet Chung
Frank LaMere Hall of Fame Award: Trevor Fitzgerald
Carrie Howard Sunshine Award: Yolanda Chavez Nuncio
Anne Boyle Young Democrat Award: James Michael Bowers
State Party Chair Award: Senator Justin Wayne; Board Member Kimara Snipe; Black Caucus Chair Precious McKesson; Jasmine Harris; Alisha Shelton
State Senator Courage Award: Senator Carol Blood
2019
Bob Kerrey CD1: Roger Eschliman
Bob Kerrey CD2: Lilia Franciscony
Bob Kerrey CD3: Haley Mazour
Ben Nelson County Party: Judy Vohland
Frank LaMere Hall of Fame: Senator Patty Pansing Brooks
Carrie Howard Sunshine: Lisa Fricke
Anne Boyle: Caleb Rohrer
Anne Boyle: Krystal Fox
State Chair: The Women of CD1 – Pastor Janet Banks, Adelle Burk, Sydney Rae Butler, Janet Chung, Marthaellen Florence, Mary Harding, Jessica McClure, Megan Mikolajczyk, Michele Tilley, Christa Yoakum, Laurie Martinez
2018
Bob Kerrey CD1: Shirl Mora James
Bob Kerrey CD2: Scott Williams
Bob Kerrey CD3: Tom Genung and Doc Moore
John F. Kennedy: Zachary Mora James
Franklin Delano Roosevelt: Senator Bob Kerrey
Hall of Fame: Senator Tony Vargas
Sunshine: Brian Mikkelsen
Kathleen Fahey Young Democrats of Service: Lauren Williams
Morrison Exon: Delmer Adam
State Chair: Big Mama’s Kitchen
2017
Bob Kerrey CD1: Mike Pittz
Bob Kerrey CD2: Rachel Huggins
Bob Kerrey CD3: Terry Wegner
Kathleen Fahey Young Democrats of Service: Meg Mandy
Sunshine: Patsy Koch-Johns Volunteers–Inonge Kasaji, Kaylie Schnittker-Hogan, Cooper Christiancy, Brodey Weber, Michael Maly and Maluba Mudundulu
John F. Kennedy: Mina Davis
Franklin Delano Roosevelt: Frank LaMere
Hall of Fame: Senator Rick Kolowski
Morrison-Exon: John Quirk
State Chair: Janet Stewart and Stephanie Matejka
2016
Bob Kerrey CD1: Tom Havelka
Bob Kerrey CD2: Susan Tafini
Bob Kerrey CD3: Bud Pettigrew
Kathleen Fahey Young Democrats of Service: Paige Hutchinson
John F. Kennedy: Jose Jimenez
Franklin Delano Roosevelt: Dennis Crawford
Hall of Fame: Senator Paul Hartnett
Morrison-Exon: Sharlette Schwenninger
Sunshine: Kathy Moore-Jensen
State Chair: Charlene Ligon
2015
Bob Kerrey CD1: Ellen Moore
Bob Kerrey CD2: Ramona Lisa Fricke
Bob Kerrey CD3: Ismael Valadez
Kathleen Fahey Young Democrats of Service: Meg Mikolajczyk
John F. Kennedy: Marque Snow
Franklin Delano Roosevelt: Tom Tilden
Hall of Fame: Dave Newell
Morrison-Exon: John Yoakum
Sunshine: Dave Domina
State Chair: Andy Holland
2014
Bob Kerrey CD1: Marta Nieves
Bob Kerrey CD2: Bryon Line
Bob Kerrey CD3: Shaun Baker
Kathleen Fahey Young Democrats of Service: Jeremy Nordquist
John F. Kennedy: Lacey Merica
Franklin Delano Roosevelt: Jim “Doc” Moore
Hall of Fame: Senator Bob Kerrey
Morrison-Exon: Charlene Ligon
Sunshine: Amanda McGill
State Chair: Deena Province
2013
Bob Kerrey CD1: Jon Rehm
Bob Kerrey CD2: Susan Tafini
Bob Kerrey CD3: Terry Sigler
Kathleen Fahey Young Democrats of Service: Bob Holmstedt
John F. Kennedy: Rebekah Caruthers
Franklin Delano Roosevelt: Peg O’Dea Lippert
Hall of Fame:
Morrison-Exon: Jeff Leanna
Sunshine: Joey Adler
State Chair: Ken Mass
2012
Bob Kerrey CD1: Mary Herres
Bob Kerrey CD2: Shelisa Minnifield
Bob Kerrey CD3: Deena Province
Kathleen Fahey Young Democrats of Service:
John F. Kennedy: Bri McLarty
Franklin Delano Roosevelt: Lanny Munson
Hall of Fame: Benjamin Nelson
Morrison-Exon: Bud Pettigrew
Sunshine: Chuck Hassebrook
State Chair:
2011
Bob Kerrey CD1: Bennie Shobe
Bob Kerrey CD2: Joe Higgins
Bob Kerrey CD3: Judy Vohland
Kathleen Fahey Young Democrats of Service: Jim Rogers & Missy Wigley
John F. Kennedy: Karlee Coleman
Franklin Delano Roosevelt: Joan Killingsworth
Hall of Fame: Don Eret
Morrison-Exon: Bill Forsee & Christa Yoakum
Sunshine: Jane Raybould
State Chair: Mayor Jim Suttle
2010
Bob Kerrey CD1: Becki Gaston
Bob Kerrey CD2: Charlene Ligon
Bob Kerrey CD3: Frank Johannsen
Kathleen Fahey Young Democrats of Service: Danielle Conrad
John F. Kennedy: Crystal Rhoades
Franklin Delano Roosevelt: Ted Kessler
Hall of Fame: James Quigley
Morrison-Exon: Tom Brown
Sunshine: Jan Osten
State Chair: John Yoakum
2009
Bob Kerrey CD1: John Yoakum
Bob Kerrey CD2: Sandi Skorniak
Bob Kerrey CD3: Bud Pettigrew
Franklin Delano Roosevelt: Mark Fields
Hall of Fame: Mike Fahey
John F. Kennedy: Jessica Rathbun
Kathleen Fahey Young Democrats of Service: Kyle Michaelis
Morrison-Exon: Carol Blood
Special Services to the State: John Berge
State Chair: Chris Jerram
2008
Bob Kerrey CD1: Vic Covalt
Bob Kerrey CD2: Peg O’Dea Lippert
Bob Kerrey CD3: Carolee Koehn
Franklin Delano Roosevelt: Donna Noll
Hall of Fame: Don Preister
John F. Kennedy: Heath Mello
Kathleen Fahey Young Democrats of Service: Vince Powers
Morrison-Exon: Marion Bahensky
2007
Bob Kerrey CD1: Rick Carter
Bob Kerrey CD2: Phyllis Ebey
Bob Kerrey CD3: Mike Zgud
Franklin Delano Roosevelt: Selma Mesner
Hall of Fame: Colleen Seng
John F. Kennedy: Jeremy Nordquist
Kathleen Fahey Young Democrats of Service: Bill Avery
Morrison-Exon: Duane Jones
