Notice from National said this: “We are thrilled to announce the 2023 semi-finalists“

(Finalists will be announced May 25th, winners will be announced June 2nd and awarded at the 2023 National Summit in Philadelphia)

Sybil Ludington Award for Raising Awareness semi-finalists are;

Brooke Weiss – Mecklenburg County, NC; Suzie Scott – Harford County, MD; Shannon Ciecko – Wayne County, MI; Tara Petsch – Gillespie County, TX; Julie Marshall – Martin County, FL,; and our very own  David Warner – Horry County, SC Chapter Chair – Horry County, Moms for Liberty, (843) 575-7159 (Moms for Liberty is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization. Contributions are non-deductible for federal income tax purposes).

Explains the The Extraordinary Story of Sybil Ludington

The American Revolutionary War Heroine Sybil Ludington, was born April 5, 1761 in Fredericksburg, New York. Similar to Paul Revere, Sybil became famous for her ride to warn the patriot militia of a British attack near Danbury, Connecticut when she was only 16 years old.

On the night of April 26, 1777 a wounded messenger barely reached Sybil’s home. Sybil’s father, Colonel Henry Ludington, was a veteran of the French-Indian War and commander of the militia in Duchess County, New York, near Danbury, Connecticut. Ludington’s 400 men were on temporary leave of duty at the time. As the British entered Danbury they found American military stores unguarded and began looting and burning the town.

It is unknown if Colonel Ludington asked his oldest daughter to undertake the dangerous mission to alert the militia or if the young woman bravely volunteered. Regardless, Sybil rode off late in the evening to warn the men.

The story is told that Sybil raced on her horse, Star, through the night until the early morning. She rode 40 miles, more than twice the distance Paul Revere travelled. Rallying the 400 men, Sybil endured driving rain and the attack of a highwayman whom she fought off with her father’s musket. The troops weren’t able to save Danbury, but did stop the British advance and pushed them back to their boats on Long Island Sound. This became part of the Battle of Ridgefield on April 27, 1777. The supposed route for the ride can be seen today by historical markers created to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the American Revolution.

Sybil’s ride became a beacon for ordinary people to perform extraordinary feats during times of adversity, and earned her a place in our country’s history.

The Other Award semi-finalists announced are:

The Joyful Warrior Award

Jennifer Turner – Polk County, IA; Amy Snead – Bedford County, VA; Brianna Richardson – Suffolk County, NY; Joy Gjersvold  – Kitsap County, WA; Theresa Modestine – Montgomery County, PA; Shannon Rambow – Flagler County, FL.

The Abigail Adams Award for Public Policy

Clarissa Paige – Northumberland County, PA; Jennifer Pippin – Indian River County, FL; Kourtney O’Hara – Lexington County, SC; Karyn Maynard – Pulaski County, AR; Tara Wood – Charleston County, SC; Alyson Warner – Northampton County, PA.

The Deborah Sampson Award for Innovation

Becky Nathanson – Duval County, FL; Mirna Eads – Campbell County, KY; Janice Danforth – Tulsa County, OK; Rogina Davis – Monroe County, NY; Shannon Grady – Chester County, PA; Sarah Garriott – Pierce County, WA.

Mary Katherine Goddard Award for Promoting Liberty

Julie Page – Wake County, NC; Rebekah Koznek – San Luis Obispo County, CA; Barbara Abboud – Nassau County, NY; Rhonda Garman – York County, PA; Valerie Masai-Aspaas – Snohomish County, WA; Allison Shipp – Cumberland County, PA

The Mercy Otis Warren Award for Inspiring to Service

Carrie Moore – Nueces County, TX; Robin Steenman – Williamson County, TN; Janet Greenhawk – Talbot County, MD; Wendy Potter  – Pulaski County, AR; Chris Fontenot – Osceola County, FL; Roxane Watkins – Polk County, FL

Penelope Barker Award for Mobilizing

Katie MacFarland – Oakland County, MI; Angela Dubach – Pinellas County, FL; Vicki Flannery – Montgomery County, PA; Kryshonda Torres – Kershaw County, SC; Kristen Hargett – Benton County, AR; Yvette Benarroch – Collier County, FL