Nominations are now open for the 12th annual Paris Gibson Award, named for the founder of Great Falls.
The award was established to honor the citizen who best embodies the vision and excellence exemplified by Paris Gibson.
To be eligible for the award, selected by previous Paris Gibson Award winners, a nominee must meet the following criteria:
- Is currently a resident of Great Falls
- Has provided significant impact to the City of Great Falls
- Has provided leadership for the community through volunteerism
- Has performed selfless action for the betterment of the community
The award winner will receive a $500 check provided by Jimmy and Debbie Filipowicz of Steel Etc., which may be given to a local charity of the winner’s choice; a tree, donated by Steve Tilleraas of Tilleraas Landscape Nursery, planted in West Bank Park in their honor, with a granite marker donated by Montana Granite; a plaque donated by Greg and Leanne Hall; a dinner for two at P. Gibson’s, donated by the restaurant; and a ride in a 1918 Model T Ford provided by Kurt Baltrusch of the Skunk Wagon Club in the Fourth of July Parade.
The winner will be announced before the Great Falls Municipal Band Concert at 7 p.m. June 29 in the Mansfield Convention Center.
Nomination forms are available at the Park and Recreation Office, 1700 River Drive N. or online.
Deadline for entries is May 13.
Prior winners are:
- Doug Wicks, 2010
- Norma Ashby, 2011
- Greg Hall, 2012
- Ian and Nancy Davidson, 2013
- Gene Thayer, 2014
- Bill and Joan-Nell Macfadden, 2015
- Arlyne Reichert, 2016
- Sheila Rice, 2017
- Brad Talcott and Linda Caricaburu, 2018
- Chuck and Gerry Jennings, 2019
- Judy Ericksen, 2020
- David and Tanya Cameron, 2021
For questions about the award, contact Norma Ashby Smith, 590-6798 or ashby7@charter.net.
