Elizabeth Fitzgearld, executive director of the Clark County Volunteer Lawyers Program, was honored Wednesday night as the 2019 Gen. George C. Marshall Leadership Awards program’s adult recipient.
Nicole Nugent, a senior at Henrietta Lacks Health and Bioscience High School, was selected as the annual program’s youth recipient.
The two were recognized for their leadership potential, public service and strength of character during The Historic Trust’s annual Marshall awards ceremony and dinner at Brickstone Ballroom in downtown Vancouver.
Washington Lt. Gov. Cyrus Habib was keynote speaker at Wednesday’s event, which was sponsored by Riverview Community Bank. Dan Miller, who uses historical stories to accentuate leadership lessons, was guest speaker.
The awards program commemorates Marshall’s legacy as a leader and statesman. Marshall was commander of Vancouver Barracks for 18 months during the 1930s and lived in the Victorian home on Officers Row that today carries his name.
Marshall went on to serve as U.S. Army chief of staff during World War II. He later became President Harry S. Truman’s secretary of state and was architect of the plan that helped rebuild Western Europe following the Allies’ victory.
The adult award, first presented in 1989, recognizes an emerging leader in Clark County, 35 years old or younger, who has demonstrated a commitment to public service. Other nominees were Melissa Boles of the Columbia River Mental Health Foundation, Magan Reed of the Port of Vancouver and Nicole Vigil of the Vancouver Police Department.
The youth award, first presented in 2001, recognizes a Clark County high school senior who has demonstrated leadership, embraced social justice and motivated others to become involved in their community. Other nominees were Loren Brown of La Center High School, Joshua Freitag of Seton Catholic College Preparatory High School, Gabriela Heras of Hudson’s Bay High School, Grace Korthius of Vancouver School of Arts and Academics, Kay’l Peck of iTech Preparatory, and Victoria Thornton of Heritage High School.
“The Historic Trust is honored to partner with the Vancouver community as part of our Celebration of Freedom,” Greg Goode, CEO/president of The Historic Trust, said in a statement. “The Marshall Awards program is a signature event where we honor the great legacy of George Marshall, and we think that he would be very proud of this year’s candidates.”
Editor’s note: Elizabeth Fitzgearld’s name was spelled wrong in an earlier version of this story. It has been corrected.
