The SMBA Liberty Bell Award recognizes a non-lawyer whose service strengthens the effectiveness of the American system of freedom, in keeping with the spirit of our Constitution. The award honors individual service in one or more of the following areas:

• Promoting a better understanding of our Constitution and the Bill of Rights;
• Encouraging a greater respect of law and the Courts;
• Stimulating a deeper sense of individual responsibility so that citizens recognize their duties as well as their rights;
• Contributing to the effective functioning of our institutions and government;
• Fostering a better understanding and appreciation of the law.

Any individual who has rendered outstanding service to his or her community in one or more of these areas may be nominated. Persons in all fields of endeavor are eligible for the Liberty Bell Award. Past recipients have come from both the public and private sectors and such diverse fields as education, law enforcement, and charitable organizations.

2025 Paul Williams

2024 Sharon Alexander

2023 Kim Hancock and Dr. Fred McQueary 

2022 Lincoln Hough

2021 Katie Towns

2020 Lara Garrett

2019 George Connor

2018 Paula Baird

2017 Kathleen O'Dell

2016 Thomas Peters

2015 Anne Marie Frost

2014 Jody Austin

2013 Bob Dixon

2012 Crime Stoppers

2011 Bob Horton

2010 Lynn Rowe

2009 Morey Mechlin

2008 Jim Anderson

2007 Ken Rutherford

2006 Cynthia Rushefsky

2005 Michelle Davidson

2004 Kevin Baker

2003 Marcia Johnson & Phyllis Shestak

2002 Kay Murnan

2001 Truly Applegate

2000 Mickie Stark

1999 Ruth Bamberger

1998 Sue C. Terry

1997 Stacy Sherrod

1996 Debora S. Biggs

1995 Jo Thompson

1994 Linda Maggard

1993 Fern Bookwalter

1992 Alice Bartee

1991 Traci Bauer & John Wylie

1990 Jack Harmon

1989 Bob Bilyeu

1988 Robby O’Neal

1987 Sister Lorraine

1986 York Johnson

1985 Jane Coughenour

1984 Dr. Fred L. Hamburg

1983 Gracie Gardner

1982 James D. Hutchinson

1981 Dr. Roy Grando

1980 Manda Boykin

1979 Mrs. Pat Walker

1978 Dr. Duane G. Meyer

1977 Rev. Dorsey E. Levell

1976 C.J. "Buck” Tindle

1975 W. Fred Schaeffer

1974 Richard A. Birmingham

1973 Dr. Durward G. Hall

1972 Otis D. Emmert

1971 B. Harry Nicholson

1970 James R. Craig

1969 Barbara Clauser

1968 C. Frank Knox

1967 Dr. William E. Everheart

1966 William Henderson

1965 Dr. L.E. Meador

Nomination Information