Camas woman earns 2011 Marshall award

Kate Benson of Camas has been named the 2011 recipient of the Gen. George C. Marshall Public Leadership Award by the Fort Vancouver National Trust.

Benson will be recognized during a ceremony at 4 p.m. Oct. 26 at Marshall’s former Vancouver home — now known as the Marshall House — at 1301 Officers Row.

Benson, 33, is a district executive with the Boy Scouts of America. She is a volunteer with the Downtown Vancouver Rotary, the Vancouver Lake Crew and the Vancouver First Church of God. Benson is the immediate past president of the Downtown Vancouver Rotary.

Anne McEnerny-Ogle and Terry Ogle, volunteers with the Boy Scouts, nominated Benson. They wrote that 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 award, Benson will travel to Virginia to visit the Marshall Foundation and Colonial Williamsburg. She will also go to Washington, D.C.

She 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.

The other nominees were Jill Sasser, Dawn Johnston, Kimberly Blake-Pinchiera and Denice Twyman.