In a matter of days, a new collection of trailblazers, innovators and public officials will receive the nation’s highest civilian honor. Days before the nation’s birthday, the White House unveiled the latest list of Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients. Among those set to receive the aforementioned honor are Olympic Gold Medalist Simone Biles, Academy Award Winner Denzel Washington and Apple Co-Founder Steve Jobs. Other recipients include Megan Rapinoe, Sister Simone Campbellis, Dr. Julieta García, Gabby Giffords, Fred Gray, Father Alexander Karloutsos, Khizr Khanis, Sandra Lindsayis, John McCain, Diane Nash, Alan Simpson, Richard Trumka, Wilma Vaughtis and Raúl Yzaguirre.

“President Biden has long said that America can be defined by one word: possibilities. These seventeen Americans demonstrate the power of possibilities and embody the soul of the nation – hard work, perseverance, and faith,” the White House stated.

“They have overcome significant obstacles to achieve impressive accomplishments in the arts and sciences, dedicated their lives to advocating for the most vulnerable among us, and acted with bravery to drive change in their communities – and across the world – while blazing trails for generations to come.”

The latest set of awards will be distributed during a ceremony in Washington, D.C. on July 7, 2022.