OLYMPIA – Lawmakers honored some of the state’s best-known citizens and ordinary heroes at a joint session of the Legislature on Wednesday, as Gov. Chris Gregoire and Secretary of State Sam Reed awarded medals of merit or valor to eight Washington residents.

The medal of merit recognizes prominent Washington residents who have distinguished themselves by significant accomplishments. The medal of valor honors residents who, at risk of personal injury or death, have saved or attempted to save the life of another.

The honorees were selected by a committee made up of Gregoire, Lt. Governor Brad Owen, Speaker of the House Frank Chopp, D-Seattle, and Supreme Court Justice Gerry Alexander.

They are:

Alana Schutt, who saved three men from drowning in Martha Lake in May.

Timothy Bourasaw and Rick Bowers, who helped save the lives of two men involved in a fiery traffic accident on state Highway 530 near Arlington.

Edward D. Marsette, who pulled four people out of a vehicle that had burst into flames after crashing outside of his home on the Muckleshoot Indian reservation. When medical personnel arrived, Marsette asked them to treat the crash victims before treating his own burns.

Linda Buck, who won the 2004 Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine. She conducts research at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

Dale Chihuly, the acclaimed glass artist who began the Pilchuck Glass School in Stanwood, now a premier international school for glass artists.

Bonnie Dunbar, who has flown on five space missions and has logged more than 50 days in space. She is currently president of Seattle’s Museum of Flight.

Former Gov. Dan Evans, whose leadership is credited with creation of the community college system and The Evergreen State College.