Every year, Marana recognizes outstanding adults who make their mark on the Town and who build on Marana’s legacy of community spirit. This year, the Town will add the Youth Legacy Award to these honors in order to acknowledge a wider array of contributions to our community. On Tuesday night, Marana Town Council unanimously approved this new award as a testament to the critical role young people play in Marana.
That role became especially apparent several months ago when a delegation of students from Marana represented Marana in Denver at the All-America City competition. As a finalist for this prestigious honor, Marana tasked these students with demonstrating the wide array of programs across the Town which address foundational youth needs—programs which support heart, body, and mind. The youth delegates discussed the Positive Behavior Intervention System, a program that encourages and reinforces constructive decision-making. They shared MUSD’s Marana Cares Mobile, a retired school bus which the District converted to a mobile cafeteria that provides meals during school vacations. They highlighted the Career and Technical Education programs offered at Marana High that are preparing students for a wide variety of professions, from early childhood education to welding. Each of these activities demonstrates Marana’s commitment to supporting all youth physically, intellectually, and emotionally. You can learn more about the Marana Delegation here.
Inspired by the spirit of these students, the Town of Marana has created this award to acknowledge youth in the community who make Marana a better place for everyone. This spring, Marana will honor the students as the first recipients of the Marana Youth Legacy Award. The following year, Marana will begin accepting nominations for youth who embody the values demonstrated by the Town’s All-America City delegation. The successful nominee’s efforts will benefit others in the community by promoting a healthy and safe environment, provide clothing, food, or shelter, or offering educational opportunities.
The Marana Youth Legacy Award will be presented along with the Marana Crystal Legacy Award and the Marana Branding Iron Awards at the 2017 Founders Day event celebration at Ora Mae Harn Park. Community members will be able to nominate youths for consideration during a nomination period leading up to the event.
