On July 4th, Wawa Welcome America ended their week of 50 free events and kicked off the 4th of July day festivities with a spectacular morning show celebrating our independence as a nation at the Celebration of Freedom Morning Ceremony.

Celebrating the birth of America right where it all began is truly something that every citizen should try to do in their lifetime. During the Celebration of Freedom produced by the Office of the City Representative and hosted by NBC 10’s Tracy Davidson and Bill Henley, there were songs performed by talented Philly POPS, The North Philadelphia Nomad Rugby team members read the Declaration of Independence, Wawa presented their Everyday Hero Award to the Boys and Girls Club and Mayor Jim Kenney presented the third annual Magis Award. Magis is translated from latin to mean “the more universal good”, and this year, Mayor Kenney presented it to Giana Graves.

Giana Graves is a 22 year old transgender youth activist. She was acknowledged by the Mayor and her city for her efforts of protecting the rights of transgender individuals. Graves is a South Philadelphia resident and is also currently working with social service contributors and giving them helpful tactics when working with LGBTQ youth. She is fighting for improvement in the lives of LGBTQ individuals and has engaged the community in her works. Mayor Kenney, along with City Representative Sheila Hess, presented Graves with her award for all the values she is instilling in her community. Ending the Wawa Welcome America week with this extraordinary presentation of the Magis award was the perfect representation of the values and spirit of Philadelphia.

Check out more photos from the 2018 Celebration of Freedom Morning Ceremony!