On February 26, 2026, Itzel Contreras Montiel and Rashan Williams Jr. were named the 2026 General George C. Marshall Award recipients. The Marshall Awards, a program of The Historic Trust in partnership with The City of Vancouver, has been honoring young leaders in Clark County since 1989.

Each year, the Trust seeks nominations for high school seniors and young adults through age 35 who reside in Clark County to recognize them for their leadership, achievements, and contributions to our community. General George C. Marshall’s leadership legacy has shaped and inspired generations of leaders in Clark County since his time as commander of Vancouver Barracks from 1936 to 1938. The Marshall Leadership Awards honor and uplift young community leaders who embody General Marshall’s values of integrity, candor, courage and preparedness in their commitment to serving the greater good. Marshall Award recipients receive stipends for higher education or professional development and participate in events with The Historic Trust and the City of Vancouver throughout the year.

The Marshall Public Leadership Award is granted to adult leaders up through age 35. The Marshall Youth Leadership Award is granted to student leaders who are seniors in high school.

The 2026 Marshall Public Leadership Award recipient is Rashan Williams Jr. Rashan is a champion for young people in Clark County. He is the founder and executive director of Shifted Theory, a mentoring and after-school program serving local youth. He has engineered this organization to provide a space where youth can feel seen and heard, and where they learn to believe in their own potential. Rashan uses his leadership skills to build relationships and community, and goes beyond serving and supporting students in need, inspiring and encouraging all students to see themselves as future leaders. In his application for the award, Rashan wrote: “My goal has always been to show them that their voices matter, their futures hold purpose, and our community believes in their potential.”

The 2026 Marshall Youth Leadership Award recipient is Itzel Contreras Montiel of Prairie High School. Itzel is a unifying influence in her community, encouraging her peers to work together to make a difference. She organized a Winter Carnival event to support local families at the holidays and was the driving force behind the Student Levy March in 2025. Itzel is in her second year serving as the student representative on the Battle Ground Public School Board, and in this role, she communicates and advocates to ensure students’ voices are heard. Superintendent Shelly Whitten said, “she provides consistent, thoughtful, and courageous leadership on behalf of students across the district.” Itzel plans to go to college to become a school counselor or a mental health therapist to fulfill her passion for helping and supporting others.

Congratulations to all of the 2026 Marshall Leadership Award finalists, listed below in alphabetical order.

Public Award Finalists

Patrick Adigweme, Rainier Pure Beef Company

Yaremy Moncerrat Clara, Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber

Heather Cochrun, Evergreen Habitat for Humanity

Rev. Michael Jones Jr., NAACP

Kendon Masterson, Brightways Counseling Group

Kaitlynn Smit, Evergreen School District

Youth Award Finalists

Nathan Kim, Ridgefield High School

Kindyl Moore, Hayes Freedom High School

Abeal Sihel, Henrietta Lacks Health and Bioscience High School

Sadie Walters, Henrietta Lacks Health and Bioscience High School

Grace Wing, Battle Ground High School

Nominations for the 2027 Marshall Leadership Awards season will open in October, 2026.

Public (Adult) Award Nomination Qualifications:
– 35 years of age or younger
– Clark County resident (not required to reside in the City of Vancouver)
– Demonstrates leadership ability and a commitment to serving a greater good

Please note, military service is not a requirement for this award.

Public Award recipient will receive:
– $3,500 award for continuing education or professional development of awardee’s choice
– Opportunities to develop professional relationships with community leaders
– Public visibility for the award recipient’s employer or nominating organization

Youth Award Nomination Qualifications:
– High school senior
– Clark County resident (not required to reside in the City of Vancouver)
– Demonstrates leadership ability and a commitment to serving a greater good
– Serves as a role model, motivating others to become involved

Please note, there is no minimum GPA requirement as it is not a factor in the evaluation process.

Youth Award recipient will receive:
– $5,000 Aléna K. Jarvis Memorial Scholarship
– Opportunities to develop professional relationships with community leaders
– Public visibility for the award recipient and their nominating school or organization

Five youth finalists will receive a $1,000 scholarship provided by the Klinge/Meyer Family Fund of the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington.