2025 First Amendment Awards Event

First Amendment Award

Sean Young, owner of Leavitt’s Bakery in Conway, was nominated for his pursuit of First Amendment rights in a successful lawsuit filed over a student-painted mural on the bakery.

Watch Sean’s story >

Quill & Ink Award

Melanie Plenda, director of the Granite State News Collaborative, was honored for her significant contributions to the education of Granite Staters about the First Amendment.

Watch Melanie’s story >

Keynote Speaker

Our Keynote Speaker was Jake Sullivan, who served as U.S. National Security Advisor under President Joe Biden, himself a past Loeb School speaker. He was director of policy under President Barack Obama before serving then-Vice President Biden in a national security role.

Watch Jake’s keynote address >