Gov. Jared Polis poses with the recipients of the Colorado Governor’s Citizenship Medals. Left to right: Vinay Nair, Rayan Elhanan, Ed Dwight, Gov. Polis, Katy Anthes, and Tony Bruno.

Governor Jared Polis announced the 2024 Colorado Governor’s Citizenship Medals on Jan. 23, and Park Hill resident Ed Dwight was one of the honorees.

The medals are presented every year in partnership with CiviCO, a non-profit that “empowers established and aspiring leaders to ignite and unite cultures of leadership for a better Colorado,” its website says.

Dwight was honored with the Vanguard Legacy Medal as an aerospace pioneer and sculptor. In May 2024 he became the oldest person to travel in space at age 90. He took a flight on the Blue Origin capsule that lasted 9 minutes and 53 seconds. After emerging from the capsule, he grinned and said, “Long time coming.”

Ed Dwight and Gov. Polis at the Governor’s Citizenship Medal Awards

In a 2023 interview, Dwight told Front Porch he left NASA in 1966 after facing racism. He went on to become a celebrated artist showcasing Black history, including the Martin Luther King, Jr. sculpture in Denver’s City Park.

Dwight is well known in Denver and across the country for his bronze sculptures of Black leaders, working to ensure that future generations know about their contributions to society.

He was one of five recipients of the medals presented by Polis:

• Ed Dwight — Aerospace Pioneer and Renowned Sculptor — Vanguard Legacy Medal.
• Vinay Nair — CEO & Founder of TIFIN and Fintech Innovator — Growth and Innovation Medal.
• Katy Anthes — Education Leader — Public and Community Service Medal.
• Rayan Elhanan — Aspiring Medical Professional and Community Advocate — Emerging Community Leader Medal
• Tory Bruno — United Launch Alliance  President and CEO — Innovators and Community Builders in Aerospace — Corporate Citizenship Medal.

“Each year, it is an honor to present the Governor’s Citizenship Medals and recognize the remarkable individuals, organizations, non-profits, and businesses dedicated to making Colorado an even better place to live for everyone,” Polis said. “This year’s five recipients have made indelible contributions to our state and demonstrated the importance of leadership. On behalf of all Coloradans, I express my appreciation to these honorees for their impact in our communities.”

The Colorado Governor’s Citizenship Medals, established in 2015, were inspired by the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Photos by Magnolia Pine Studios