Augusta native Jessye Norman was recognized Thursday by the White House with the 2009 National Medal of Arts, the nation’s highest honor for artistic excellence.  Prior to presenting the honor President Obama credited Norman for  “broadening contemporary operatic repertoire.”

The world reknown operatic soprano, a five-time Grammy winner and Grammy Life time Achievement Award recipient, is also the youngest recipient of a Kennedy Center honor.

In addition to her musical achievements Norman also serves as trustee and/or spokesperson for many cultural, educational, and charitable organizations most notably the Jessye Norman School of the Arts located in Augusta, Georgia.  The School provides an after-school, tuition free program for middle school students which focuses on music performance, writing, drama, dance, and graphic arts.

Other 2009 National Medal of Arts recipients include singer and songwriter Bob Dylan; director and actor Clint Eastwood; graphic designer Milton Glaser; architect and sculptor Maya Lin; singer, dancer, and actress Rita Moreno; arts patron and design advocate Joseph P. Riley, Jr.; painter and sculptor Frank Stella; conductor Michael Tilson Thomas; and composer and conductor John Williams.