Media Contacts Mike Kiernan (W) 202-640-6630 (C) 202-460-0614 Kate Conradt (W) 202-640-6631 (C) 202-294-9700 Eileen Burke (W) 203-221-4233 (C) 203-216-0718 Wendy Christian (W) 203-221-3767 (C) 203-241-9722 Senator Thad Cochran, Congresswoman Diane Watson Honored for Leadership on Children’s Issues Save the Children CEO, Charles MacCormack presents award to Senator Thad Cochran (R-MS).  Washington, DC (June 25)--Senator Thad Cochran (R-MS) and Rep. Diane Watson (D-CA), have been chosen as this year’s recipients of Save the Children's Congressional Champion for Real and Lasting Change award for their efforts to improve children's access to health care, education and assistance during emergencies.  In presenting the awards last week, Save the Children President and CEO Charles MacCormack praised Sen. Cochran for “playing a leading role in helping government officials understand the need to do much more in helping children survive and recover from emergencies.”    MacCormack noted that the Mississippi senator also has promoted legislation that addresses the educational and health needs of children in rural America, including Save the Children's after school and summer programs, and has played an instrumental role in the establishment of the National Center for Rural Early Childhood Learning Initiatives at Mississippi State University.    Representative Diane Watson (D-CA) accepts award from CEO Charles MacCormack.   MacCormack praised Rep. Watson for her “tireless efforts” on behalf of children in need in both the United States and around the world.”  Watson has been a strong supporter of legislation to increase U.S. support for health programs for children, which could protect the lives of millions of children in developing countries from life-threatening diseases such as pneumonia, diarrhea, and other preventable and treatable causes.  The Congresswoman has also backed legislation that would increase educational opportunities for children -- especially for children living in areas of war and conflict.