The Frances McClelland Youth Award

The Frances McClelland Youth Vision Award is given to honor a youth leader or group of leaders who are working towards improving the well-being of children, youth, families, and community. The youth embody the strength, dedication, vision and passion that Frances McClelland exhibited throughout her life and youth. This award is for a youth leader or a group of leaders who inspire hope for Arizona’s future.  Frances overcame adversity through her life and manifested resilience. We are looking for youth that embody Frances’ spirit of valuing her immigrant roots, overcoming adversity, and demonstrating resilience in the face of challenges. We are looking for future professionals who will work with individuals and families in careers of family, health, criminal justice, psychology, social work, healthcare practitioners, teaching, and other related fields. The youth leader or group of leaders should be between 11-22 years old.

Garvey Blackwell is a sixteen-year-old from Yuma, Arizona, is an avid volunteer who has dedicated more than 4,000 hours volunteering in the Yuma community. She is an active member of the Girls Scouts of Southern Arizona Board, Governor’s Youth Commission, City of Yuma’s Task Force, Yuma County Community Justice Board and many more. In August 2019, she was awarded Congressional Award Silver Metal, which is the highest honor a member of the House or Senate can give on a young civilian. She has also been honored with awards from the Heart of Yuma, the Arizona Governor’s Youth Leadership Award, and Gold Award through Girl Scouts. She is a part of several local and state boards including the Community Justice Board, Arizona Community Foundation, and Kids Cuddle Kit. Garvey feels that it is important to “give back” to the community where you live and that even the smallest of things matter. What an amazing role model for Yuma and Arizona youth!