Patrick Henry College President Michael Farris received the Heritage Foundation's prestigious Salvatori Prize for American Citizenship on April 25. Former U.S. Attorney General Edwin Meese presented the award at a luncheon in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The Salvatori Prize is awarded each year to an outstanding leader who has shown extraordinary initiative in helping his community solve problems the government has been unable or unwilling to remedy. Named for entrepreneur and philanthropist Henry Salvatori, the prize was first awarded in 1996. Past recipients include Dr. Benjamin Carson, pediatric neurosurgeon from Johns Hopkins University; Thaddeus Lott, a Houston, Texas, educator; and Conna Craig, president of the Institute for Children.

Not only does this award honor Dr. Farris for his efforts in helping to make home 

 education legal in all 50 states, but it also recognizes his most recent accomplishments in the founding of Patrick Henry College and the Center for the Original Intent of the Constitution. The award is celebrated by all who share the values it represents, including commitment to limited government and private sector initiative. These values are fundamental to the mission of Patrick Henry College in that the college does not accept government aid or taxpayer subsidies.

'I am deeply honored and humbled to be recognized by such an important institution as the Heritage Foundation,' said Farris. 'This award really represents the tireless efforts of others who have labored alongside me to protect and promote the American founding principles of individual liberty, self-government, and godly virtue.'

Mike Farris is the author of several books published by Broadman & Holman, including The Spiritual Power of a Mother and The Home Schooling Father. 

The Heritage Foundation (http://www.heritage.org/) is a research and educational institute that was founded in 1973; its mission is to formulate and promote conservative public policies based on the principles of free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, traditional American values, and a strong national defense.