Helen Thomas Awards By Haleigh Cagle 2000 She earned the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Society of Professional Journalists 2002 She is awarded a lifetime award with the National Newspaper Association 2008 She earned the Lifetime Achievement award from the Washington Press club foundation Apr 1, 2012 Hanan Ashrawi presents Thomas with a medal on behalf of PLO president Mahmoud Abbas in recognition of her defense of the Palestinian cause.