Celebrate Freedom Series Programs
Kate Benson named 2011 General George C. Marshall Public Leadership Award Recipient
Benson, 33, is a district executive with the Boy Scouts of America. She holds a Bachelor of Science in music performance from Portland State University, and a Masters in Music, Clarinet Performance from Portland State University. She is a volunteer with the Downtown Vancouver Rotary, the Vancouver Lake Crew, and the Vancouver First church of God. Benson was also a National Merit Scholar and is the immediate past president of the Downtown Vancouver Rotary. Anne McEnerny-Ogle and Terry Ogle, volunteers with the Boys Scouts, nominated Benson for the award.
In their nomination form, McEnerny-Ogle and Ogle wrote, “As a District Executive for the Boy Scouts of America, she is the professional responsible for implementing the programs and activities of Scouts and adult volunteers in the Fort Vancouver District… She is always enthusiastic and unfailingly optimistic. She is a loving mother to a daughter and her high energy level inspires others.”
As recipient of the Marshall Award, Benson will travel to Lexington, Virginia to tour the Marshall Foundation, to Colonial Williamsburg and Washington, D.C. She 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.
Benson was chosen by the Marshall selection committee consisting of community members and chaired by Larry J. Smith, Mayor Pro Tem of Vancouver. Other members are Devin Jackson, 2010 Marshall Award recipient; Dr. Leslie Burger, a retired Army general; Kim Capeloto, Riverview Community Bank; and John McIlvain, past Marshall Award recipient.
“All five nominees were outstanding this year,” said chair Larry Smith. “It is truly an honor to see so many great leaders develop in our community. Kate Benson’s qualifications, specifically her dedication to community service and developing young adults into leaders, were exceptional.”
The five 2011nominees include (from left): 
Jill Sasser, Camas, 31, Associate Attorney at Landerholm, P.C. Nominated by T. Randall Grove & Philip B. Janney.
Kimberly Blake Pincheira, Vancouver, 28, SW Washington Outreach Director for Senator Cantwell. Nominated by Dena Horton.
Dawn Johnston, Vancouver, 33, Major Gifts Officer for Peacehealth Southwest. Nominated by Jody Campbell.
Kate Benson, Camas, 33, Distric Executive with Boy Scouts of America. Nominated by Anne McEnerny-Ogle and Terry Ogle. (Kate is the 2011 recipient)
Denice Odette Twyman, Camas, 32, Medical Assistant. Nominated by Travis London.
Samantha Cahill named 2011 General George C. Marshall Youth Leadership Award Recipient
Award recipient;Tom Hagley, Marshall Award selection committee; Mayor Timothy
Leavitt; Dr. Mike Stromme, Marshall Award selection committee; Ed Lynch, Board
of Trustees Co-chair, Fort Vancouver National Trust
Download the media release here
The Marshall Youth Leadership Award committee selects a high school junior or senior who exhibits the extraordinary qualities of leadership, integrity and honor for which General Marshall stood. The youth recipient receives a $2,500 college scholarship, a paid internship in the Trust's Celebrate Freedom office, and roles in Celebrate Freedom programs.
Celebrate Freedom Contact Info
Cara Cantonwine, Director of Programs
360.992.1804
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