Ben Nelson Inaugural Gala

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.

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.