Historic Trust announces 2023 Gen. George C. Marshall Leadership winners

MEADOW HOMES — On April 22, Joshua Jones and Angela Cruz Paredes were named this year’s Gen. George C. Marshall Award recipients.

Each year, one high school senior and one community member under age 35 are recognized for their leadership, achievements and contributions to the Clark County community. The Marshall Leadership Awards celebrate and support local rising leaders who demonstrate integrity, candor, courage and preparedness while serving a greater good.

Jones received the 2023 Marshall Public Leadership Award. Jones is dedicated to leading by example in his work with Partners in Careers and more recently, Educational Service District 112. He has helped many youth in Clark County connect with career counseling and professional development opportunities.

In his free time, Jones works with Soul River, a nonprofit that brings marginalized youth and veterans together in the outdoors. Jones also serves several other community organizations such as the Boys and Girls Clubs of Southwest Washington, Pearson Field Education Center, the Washougal School District Advisory Board and the Lower Columbia Fish Enhancement Group.

Paredes won the 2023 Marshall Youth Leadership Award. Paredes, who attends Fort Vancouver High School, was chosen because of her unique and persistent passion for helping others. She uses her extracurricular time to organize events and drives for marginalized students and community members. She is president of Fort Vancouver High School’s Random Acts of Kindness Club, and co-president of the Black Student Union. Some of her projects have included organizing food and clothing drives for the unhoused, and helping students with special needs. She is also a volunteer cheerleading coach with Pop Warner. Paredes plans to attend Eastern Washington University.