(CENTREVILLE) – The St. Joseph County Bar Association has announced the winner of the 2023 Liberty Bell Award.

This year’s recipient is Kelly Hostetler, Executive Director of the St. Joseph County United Way. St. Joseph County District Court Judge Jeffrey Middleton says Hostetler was chosen because of her hard work as Executive Director for the United Way.

The Liberty Bell Award was created on May 1985 by the St. Joseph County Bar Association. It is presented annually on May 1, which is Law Day, to a non-lawyer, individual or organization in St. Joseph County, who has made an outstanding contribution to the community in one of the following areas: Promoting a better understanding of our Constitution and Bill of Rights; Encouraging a greater respect for the 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 private and governmental institutions; and Fostering a better understanding and appreciation for the rule of law.

There will be a formal presentation of the Liberty Bell Award by St. Joseph County Bar Association President, Luke Nofsinger on Monday May 1 at 9 AM. It will be in the 45th Circuit Courtroom of Judge Paul Stutesman.

There will be a reception following the Award Ceremony. The public is invited to attend the ceremony.