PAST WINNERS
2018: Kyrsten Sinema. Arizona’s first female senator, her insistence on bipartisanship shows us how politics should be.
2017: John McCain and Jeff Flake. Arizona’s senators stuck out their necks, paid the price and, in so doing, reminded us of core American values.
2016: OSIRIS-REx. The space mission headed by Arizona scientists promises to reveal key parts of who we are.
2015: Doug Ducey. Arizona’s new governor had two huge policy wins in his first year in office.
2014: VA whistleblowers. They braved an angry, vindictive administration to shine light on the poor treatment of veterans.
2013: Yarnell volunteers. Those who helped the victims of the fire that killed 19 hotshots embody selflessness.
2012: Jon Kyl. Arizona congressman’s work ethic and unique willingness to delve into the details astonished supporters and exhausted the opposition.
2011: Gabrielle Giffords. Arizona congresswoman became an example of strength and resilience, and a model for Arizona and the nation.
2010: The volunteer. In the worst economic times in a generation, volunteers were never so sorely needed nor so appreciated.
2009: Sandra Day O’Connor (Arizonan of the Decade). The former U.S. Supreme Court justice’s accomplishments made her one of the most powerful people in the world.
2008: John McCain. For his historic run for the presidency, his stoic leadership during the darkest hours of the Iraq War and his valiant fight for immigration reform.
2007: Philanthropic foundations. A group, not a person, earned the distinction for its hard work, generosity and critical mass.
2006: Michael Crow. Arizona State University’s 16th president took risks that have transformed ASU. 2005: Jim Kolbe. The Arizona congressman tackled Social Security and immigration reform when others preferred to steer clear.
2004: Pat Tillman. He put aside a football career with the Arizona Cardinals to serve his country and give his life as an Army Ranger. 2003: Sandra Day O’Connor. In a year that saw historic decisions, her opinion almost always counted most.