Citizen of the Year:  A private citizen, including one who has served in an appointive office or on a commission without compensation, who has made the most outstanding contribution to the cause of good government or civic betterment.

Sheila Espinoza demonstrates how dedication to the arts and dedication to the community can inspire others to pitch in and solve a problem.  Among other contributions, Ms. Espinoza has patrolled her neighborhood to clean up graffiti and provided transportation to homebound senior citizens.  She founded the Pontiac Bay Symphony Orchestra, a mentoring orchestra offering free participation for adult and youth musicians in Seattle.

Public Employee of the Year:  A civic servant who, as an employee of some public body, has brought to the particular service one or more outstanding innovations or constructive programs.

Joy Sakamoto Barker is Dean of Basic Education at Renton Technical College.  As an advocate for adult literacy programs, such as Adult Basic Education and the General Education Diploma, she has tirelessly delivered on the dream of an educated public, which is fundamental to good citizenship as well as to economic opportunity.

Organization of the Year:  The organization that has made the most outstanding contribution(s) to the community.

Page Ahead Children’s Literacy Program provides reading activities and new books to at-risk children, linking corporate philanthropy with social needs activism.  Formerly known as Books for Kids, a project started by participants in Leadership Tomorrow, Page Ahead Children's Literacy Program has given away, as of 2003, more than one million books.

Paul Guppy has consistently contributed to the quality of public discourse over several years with clear research and a strong editorial voice through the Washington Policy Center, a new media resource.

James R. Ellis Regional Leadership Award:  The individual or organization who, through appointed, elected, commissioned, or volunteer service, has contributed significant regional leadership in the examination of public policy problems and solutions.

William Gates Sr. has brought valuable and credible leadership to the examination of Washington state's tax structure.  Throughout a respected legal career, he has played a prominent role in our region's civic affairs, and now serves through the Bill and Melinda Gate Foundation dedicated to education and global health.

Doug Mason Memorial Award:  A person, age 35 or under, who during the previous year made a special contribution to the people of King County in any of the following areas:  environmental protection and preservation, agricultural preservation, transportation, human services, housing, good government, ethics in politics, or effective government administration.

Mary Larson brings a uniquely valuable combination of the “healing arts” to the homeless population she serves as a nurse at the Pioneer Square Clinic.  As an artist and a nurse, her innovative and inspired philanthropy helps right listing souls through lively portraiture, and proceeds from her art supports, in creative ways, the clinic administering to their medical needs.