For More Information Contact:

Kim M. Ferranti
Greater Tucson Leadership Publicity Committee
(520) 881-4512
kferranti@aba-architects.com

or

Jean McKnight-Guymon
Greater Tucson Leadership President
(520) 325-0233
president@tucsonleadership.org

TERRY THOMPSON and JESSICA LOPEZ TO ACCEPT YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARDS AT GTL GALA EVENT

TUCSON, Ariz. (March 3, 2005) – Greater Tucson Leadership will honor Terry Thomson with its 2005 GTL Visionary for Youth Leadership Award for his commitment to youth throughout his career. Jessica Lopez will receive the 2005 GTL Outstanding Youth Leader Award.

Currently, Terry is the Leadership Coordinator for Blue Chip (a student leadership program) at the University of Arizona. He is responsible for the oversight of the program and any related activities, as well as making decisions on behalf of the program. Terry says that his commitment to Blue Chip is to the students in the program and their well-being. Previously, Terry was at the University of Arizona as the Department Head of Air Force ROTC. In this position, Terry started exploring the idea of creating what we know today as Arizona Blue Chip.

Jessica Lopez is a student at Rincon High School and is graduating from the Youth Leadership and Boardmanship Classes. She is currently serving on the Vision Mark Board and making an impact.

Thomson and Lopez will receive the awards at GTL’s Youth Leadership Gala Event, "Aloha Leadership Luau," which is being held on March 12, 2005 at the "Z" Mansion. The festivities begin at 6:00 P.M. Tickets are available by calling 512-5GTL.

Several hundred business and community leaders will attend the event that honors the Greater Tucson Youth Leadership Program graduates and recognizes
community citizens who strive to improve the lives of our youth.

The Greater Tucson Youth Leadership Program, currently in its third year, serves to inform, educate, influence, re-direct and create new leaders from a diverse cross-section of high school students in Tucson. This program, which has received statewide and national attention, is a collaboration of Greater Tucson Leadership, The Volunteer Center of Tucson, The University of Arizona Blue Chip Program and Pima Community College. At least half the participants come from low income, "at risk" families. The program’s goal is to provide a positive influence and passion for community service and leadership for each student. There are two components to this project, both of which focus on educating youth about issues and potential solutions to our community's most pressing concerns, developing leadership skills,
and increasing community involvement.

Past recipients of the Visionary for Youth Leadership Award have included Governor Janet Napolitano, Mayor Bob Walkup and Beth Walkup, and Joe Cristiani. For event ticket information, the public is encouraged to call Greater Tucson Leadership at (520) 512-5GTL or PTRSN@aol.com.

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