Stu Jacobson of Bellevue has won a Washington State Jefferson Award.

The award honors ordinary people who do extraordinary things for others. Initiated in 1972 to create a “Nobel Prize” for public service, awards are presented both nationally and locally.

Jacobson has been a champion on behalf of children in childcare within Washington State for nearly 19 years, according to CityClub, the sponsor of the award.

He was cited for working selflessly and passionately on behalf of children to educate and institute safer childcare in Washington state. His efforts include working to educate parents on health and safety standards and concerns; and working with parents, educators, childcare providers and licensors to improve health and safety within Washington state childcare centers.

The award will be presented Monday, April 26 at a breakfast event at the Westin Hotel in Seattle.

The five 2010 Washington State Jefferson Awards winners will be featured on KING 5’s Evening Magazine during the week of April 5-9 with people able to vote online at KING5.com for who should represent Washington state at the National Jefferson Awards in Washington, D.C. Online voting is open from April 5-9.