Terry Goddard Honored by NAU's Martin-Springer Institute

(Phoenix, Ariz. – April 26, 2006) Attorney General Terry Goddard today was presented with the Moral Courage Award from the Martin-Springer Institute at Northern Arizona University. The award was given in Flagstaff in recognition of his work on behalf of Arizona youth, including protecting children from abuse in the polygamous community of Colorado City.

Goddard was one of five individuals who received a Moral Courage Award today for making a difference in Arizona schools and communities. The awards are presented annually to those who exemplify the courage of the Institute's founder, Doris Martin, a Holocaust survivor.

"In addition to introducing and enforcing legislation, he has helped to create services where people in these small communities can safely access help and information," Judy Krysik and Maria Hoffman said in their letter nominating Goddard for the award.

The Martin-Springer Institute was established by Ralph and Doris (Springer) Martin in 2000 with a goal of promoting tolerance and human rights. The institute also works to ensure that the lessons of the Holocaust are taught accurately.

Four others were also recognized with Moral Courage Awards:

  • Sandi Irwin, a school counselor at Palo Verde Middle School in Phoenix, for initiating a bullying prevention program and for advocating on behalf of all students.
  • Ryan Moran, a fifth grade student at Eagles' Nest Intermediate School on the Navajo Nation, for his efforts to combat bullying at his school.
  • Alberta Nells, a sophomore at Coconino High School in Flagstaff, for her leadership role with Youth of the Peaks, an organization opposed to further development on the San Francisco Peaks.
  • Morgan Riddle, a senior at Canyon del Oro High School in Tucson, for taking a public stand against racism and discrimination in her daily life.