WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Olympia J. Snowe of Maine has been presented the Orphan Foundation of America’s 2001 Oliver Humanitarian Award for acting as a positive role model for today’s orphans and foster youth. Snowe – who lost both of her parents by the age of 9 – accepted the award at a Washington luncheon on July 26.

“When I was growing up, after losing my parents, it never occurred to me to think that I would be a United States senator. But out of my experiences in life grew a conviction that no pursuit is as valuable or worthier than the simple idea of helping others – enabling individuals to improve their lives, softening the hardest days, and brightening the darkest,” said Snowe in accepting the award at OFA’s annual awards luncheon. The foundation also honored actress Eartha Kitt at Thursday’s ceremony.

“I also wouldn’t be standing here without the support of my family, and the many remarkable individuals who took an interest in my young life. It would be a tragedy for orphans and children in foster care – and for the country as a whole – if we did not encourage these youths, nurture their talents, and give them the tools to lead happy, fulfilling lives,” Snowe said, “and that is why I am so thankful for this organization and all who have helped assure that these children have every opportunity to, in the words of Henry David Thoreau, live the lives they’ve always imagined.”

Snowe praised the leadership OFA has shown in establishing a scholarship program to assist young men and women who have been orphaned and for helping to provide a “sense of community, family, and support.”

OFA cited Snowe’s leadership in expanding opportunities for young people through education, particularly in leading the fight to restore nearly $10 billion in student loan funding during the balanced budget debate, and in authoring – with Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va. – the legislation known as the E-Rate, so every classroom in America could have access to the Internet and other advanced technology.