Maryland Senate honors Adrienne Jones, Joanne C. Benson and Nancy Pelosi with First Citizen Awards
March 31, 2026 | SENATE, SENATE, Committees, Legislative, Maryland
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On March 30 in Annapolis, the Maryland Senate presented its First Citizen Award to three women with long records of public service: Speaker Emerita Adrienne Jones, Senator Joanne C. Benson and U.S. House Speaker Emeritus Nancy Pelosi.
State Archivist Elaine Rice Bachman read the award citation, tracing the medal’s name to Charles Carroll of Carrollton and placing this year’s honors in the state’s 250th anniversary observances. Bachman described the award as recognizing people who "commit themselves to public service and civic engagement through debate, legislation, and governance." She said the president selected winners who together have "served over 100 years in elected office." (Elaine Rice Bachman, State Archivist)
The Senate first recognized Speaker Emerita Adrienne Jones for a career that included leadership of the House of Delegates and roles in county government and the State House Trust. Jones accepted the award and thanked colleagues for the tribute.
Joanne C. Benson, the second award recipient, was honored for decades of work in education and elected office. The archivist detailed Benson’s background as a longtime principal and legislator, noting her advocacy for children and minority health policies. Benson, speaking to the chamber, reflected on her life and career and urged lawmakers to consider how legislation affects "the least of these," concluding, "I shall pass this way but once." (Senator Joanne C. Benson)
The final First Citizen Award went to Nancy Pelosi, introduced as United States House Speaker Emeritus. The archivist summarized Pelosi’s national leadership and legislative record. Pelosi accepted the honor and framed her work around children and families, saying, “It’s all about the children,” and thanking the Senate for the recognition and its historical ties to Maryland.
The evening’s presentations were ceremonial but underscored the Senate’s intent to publicly acknowledge long-serving leaders and to connect the award to civic service in Maryland’s history. After each presentation, colleagues offered floor tributes and personal remembrances of the honorees.
The program concluded with additional floor remarks and the Senate returning to business on its legislative calendar.
State Archivist Elaine Rice Bachman read the award citation, tracing the medal’s name to Charles Carroll of Carrollton and placing this year’s honors in the state’s 250th anniversary observances. Bachman described the award as recognizing people who "commit themselves to public service and civic engagement through debate, legislation, and governance." She said the president selected winners who together have "served over 100 years in elected office." (Elaine Rice Bachman, State Archivist)
The Senate first recognized Speaker Emerita Adrienne Jones for a career that included leadership of the House of Delegates and roles in county government and the State House Trust. Jones accepted the award and thanked colleagues for the tribute.
Joanne C. Benson, the second award recipient, was honored for decades of work in education and elected office. The archivist detailed Benson’s background as a longtime principal and legislator, noting her advocacy for children and minority health policies. Benson, speaking to the chamber, reflected on her life and career and urged lawmakers to consider how legislation affects "the least of these," concluding, "I shall pass this way but once." (Senator Joanne C. Benson)
The final First Citizen Award went to Nancy Pelosi, introduced as United States House Speaker Emeritus. The archivist summarized Pelosi’s national leadership and legislative record. Pelosi accepted the honor and framed her work around children and families, saying, “It’s all about the children,” and thanking the Senate for the recognition and its historical ties to Maryland.
The evening’s presentations were ceremonial but underscored the Senate’s intent to publicly acknowledge long-serving leaders and to connect the award to civic service in Maryland’s history. After each presentation, colleagues offered floor tributes and personal remembrances of the honorees.
The program concluded with additional floor remarks and the Senate returning to business on its legislative calendar.
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