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A number of websites note that the US White House is taking nominations for the 2012 Presidential Citizens Medal – and readers have been quick to respond with an awesome choice: Jessica Ahlquist, young defender of the American way, who successfully sued to have a Constitution-violating religious display removed from her public high school.

I nominated Jessica via the online form; how about you? From a citizen's action perspective, she demonstrated how an individual, even a young person, can step up and work within the system to uphold the Constitution. From a humanist perspective, she boldly made it known that we're not going let religious violations of the law go unchallenged – and that the courts on our side.

There's not much time for nominations (until the 24th); why not nominate Jessica now? From a great comment on The Atheist Experience blog, I gleaned this required info:

Name: Jessica Ahlquist
Location: Cranston, Rhode Island
Age: 16 or 17

For the interested, here's what I input in response to the two questions asked. Please don't use the same text! I'm sure there are aspects of the case I should have emphasized more, such as Jessica's bravery in facing down nasty threats from lesser members of her community; let the President know exactly why this young lady deserves the honor!

Explain why your nominee should receive the Citizens Medal based on the criteria outlined here:

Although a high school student, Ms Ahlquist took it upon herself to defend the Establishment Clause of the US Constitution and challenge a religious banner displayed in a public school. She did so with no rancor or animosity toward proponents of the display, but rather a respectful desire to see the Constitution upheld and American citizens' freedoms respected.

In January of this year, a US District Court ruled in her favor in the case Ahlquist v. Cranston, with the Judge commenting that Ms Ahlquist "is clearly an articulate and courageous young woman, who took a brave stand, particularly in light of the hostile response she has received". Inspired by her action, Americans – and the world – are applauding this example of a single concerned citizen successfully championing a key principle of American democracy.

Describe the impact that your nominee’s service has had on individuals and/or communities:

Ms Ahlquist stood up for one of the most noteworthy protections of liberty asserted by the Founding Fathers and creators of the Constitution: separation of church and state. By doing so, she reaffirmed not only the rights of minority religious faiths and non-believers with respect to religion, but also the rights of public school students to education without pressure from a state-favored religion, and the freedom of all religions from government interference. The ruling will undoubtedly influence future cases, reaffirming the Establishment Clause as a protector of individual rights and of religious freedom.

Just as importantly, Ms Ahlquist bravely demonstrated to the nation – especially to young people – that the Constitution exists for the protection of all, that the nation's justice system will act upon the voices of citizens to correct violations of the Constitution, and that even one person can bring about meaningful change in the community and across the country.

Now go send the Prez a nominee, whomever that may be!