Australian of the Year Award...anything similar overseas?

Lee Kernaghan, the boy from the bush and a country music star has been awarded Australian of the Year 2008. Quite a prestigious and honourable award. Kernaghan was chosen from more than 3,000 people, nominated by the public.

The selection criteria for such an award includes:

• Demonstrated excellence in their field
  
• Significant contribution to the Australian community and nation
  
• An inspirational role model for the Australian community
  
• The Local Hero award acknowledges a significant contribution at local community level.

Personally, I feel such awards are inspirational for good works.

Kernaghan "rolled up his sleeves to make a real difference for those in need in rural Australia," through his personal commitment to rural Australia.

Over the past 10 years, this country star has led "Pass the Hat Around" and "Spirit of the Bush" tours, raising more than a million dollars for communities in need, particularly drought-ravaged families.

Do those of other countries have similar type of awards for an individual's contributions/achievements?

 

Bump................ I'd like to know, also. Bazza

 

What about the "Outstanding Americans" and "Outstanding Young Americans" awards? Wouldn't those be similar acknowledgments where persons are selected by the public same as here?