2015 PUBLIC LEADERSHIP AWARD recipient John Blom (fourth from left), with selection committee members (from left to right) Dr. Les Burger, Larry Smith, Sheryl Beauchaine, Maggie Traverso, Matt Bisturis, Phil Haberthur (chair), and Trust President Mike True.
2015 YOUTH RECIPIENT Sean Nolan (center) is shown here with (left-to-right) Trust President Mike True, Selection Committee Co-Chair Mike Stromme, 40 et 8 Chef de Gare Jerry Keen, and Selection Committee Co-Chair Tom Hagley, Jr.
The Fort Vancouver National Trust announced the winners of the General George C. Marshall Public & Youth Leadership Awards at a dinner March 18.
The dinner featured a keynote address by Dr. Rob Havers, President of the General George C. Marshall Foundation, as well as recognition for all the nominees and the announcement of the 2015 recipients.
At the event, La Center High School Senior Sean Nolan was recognized as the 2015 General George C. Marshall Youth Leadership Award recipient. This prestigious award was established in 2000 by two former Marshall Public Leadership Award recipients and is presented to a Clark County high school student who demonstrates leadership, takes a stand for the rights of others, serves as a role model and shows initiative and motivates others to become involved.
In his nomination materials, Youth Commission Coordinator Elizabeth Hill described Sean as, "a catalyst for team success; combining drive, encouragement, playfulness, competition and camaraderie ... Despite an incredibly demanding school schedule, Sean is one of the longest serving members of the Youth Commission, a dedicated and intentionally diverse group of young leaders, and has displayed a strong ability to make meaningful connections with people from different backgrounds and belief systems.
“Sean's resume demonstrates his ability to set goals and achieve them across many different aspects of his life,’’ Hill continued. “Besides the Youth Commission, his community service work includes volunteering with the American Red Cross blood drives at Lewis and Clark High School, fundraising for the Doernbecher Children's Hospital, handing out clothing to the homeless in Portland as part of the ‘Friends Under the Bridge’ project, volunteering as a Boy Scout with the troop in La Center, serving as a tutor in the school math program, and voluntarily providing summer tutoring for a friend who was failing math, which resulted in him passing ... While some people are great planners and goal setters, and others are great at adapting and thinking quickly and resourcefully, Sean possesses all of these traits."
Selection Committee members of the Marshall Youth Leadership Award were impressed with the high caliber of dedication and accomplishments demonstrated by this year's 35 nominees.
"We extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the recipient, Sean Nolan, and all of the award nominees," said Tom Hagley Jr., Marshall Youth Leadership Award selection committee co-chair. "This program continues to spotlight the outstanding service contributions and future leadership potential of youth in Clark County. We're proud of their many accomplishments."
Hagley continued, “Each nominee demonstrated traits of General Marshall by providing exceptional leadership and service to their schools in the Clark County community. It is clear that the 2015 recipient, Sean Nolan, is deserving of this award.’’
Also at the Marshall Award Dinner, John Blom was honored as the 2015 General George C. Marshall Public Leadership Award recipient. He is the 26th recipient of this prestigious community award honoring the legacy of one-time Vancouver resident General George C. Marshall.
A history scholar and accomplished Realtor, John Blom volunteers throughout the community in a variety of organizations. In his nomination form, Michele Holen wrote, "John Blom has the potential to become a major contributor to Clark County through his social, political and charitable activities. His competence and work ethic distinguish him amongst his peers and his positive attitude, strong network and fresh ideas make him a great asset to any organization. John is a natural leader who is actively involved with many professional and volunteer organizations and works to make a difference wherever he is able. I can't think of another person more deserving of this honor."
As recipient of the Marshall Award, Blom will travel to Lexington, VA to tour the Marshall Foundation, and to Colonial Williamsburg and Washington, D.C. He also will participate in the Fort Vancouver National Trust's Celebrate Freedom programs throughout the year and will have opportunities to meet with local elected officials.
"We were very pleased with the quality of the nominees for this year's Award" said Public Leadership Award Committee Chair, Phil Haberthur. "Six outstanding individuals participated in the process, making the selection extremely difficult. John Blom's qualifications, specifically his commitment and dedication to volunteering and serving this community, were really remarkable."
For more information, visit www.fortvan.org or call (360) 992-1800.
