(President Joe Biden, before leaving office, presented Bill Nye and 18 other people with the Presidential Medal of Freedom at a ceremony in the White House.)

Bill Nye was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by then-president Joe Biden in January in recognition of his dedication to science education. Nye, popularly known as Bill Nye the Science Guy, is a science educator, television presenter and chief executive officer of the Planetary Society.

He’s a virtual legend in the Northwest. Last October, he was featured in Senior Scene in an article about an exhibit at Museum of History and Industry in Seattle of artifacts from his TV stardom on the Seattle-based sketch comedy show “Almost Live!” and his own, subsequent show, “Bill Nye the Science Guy.” The exhibit ended Feb. 23.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is given by the president to honor individuals’ contributions to either the United States or the world. It’s considered the highest civilian honor by the U.S., alongside the Congressional Gold Medal.

Nye was among 19 recipients of the medal this year during a ceremony Jan. 4 at the White House. Others included Hillary Clinton, the former U.S. secretary of state, senator and first lady; Magic Johnson, a pro basketball legend and current business entrepreneur; and Bono, frontman of the band U2.