5th Annual Mike Moncrief “Believing In Youth” Award
Santa Fe Adolescent Services recognizes that resiliency of young people is uniquely and powerfully impacted by those individuals who take personal responsibility for contributing to the development of our children. Research shows that prevention of substance abuse among young people is promoted through numerous strategies – formal and informal, intentional and unintentional. The fusion of all efforts - formal and informal, individual and community - have tremendous power to protect youth from a variety of harmful and unhealthy choices including substance use, school problems, antisocial behavior, and even death.
The Board of Directors and agency leadership believe few public figures have accomplished more to model this commitment to young people than Mayor Moncrief. For this reason, Santa Fe Adolescent Services has created the Mike Moncrief “Believing In Youth” Award in order to celebrate and honor those individuals who have demonstrated a commitment of time and energy “beyond the call of duty” to the youth of our community.
2008 Banquet Information
Date of event: May 1, 2008
Location: City Club of Fort Worth
Master of Ceremonies: Scott Murray
Award Recipients:
Everson Walls, a former Dallas Cowboy, is one of the most prolific and decorated defensive backs to ever play football. In 2007, he exemplified the meaning of a true teammate when he donated one of his kidneys to his friend and former Dallas Cowboy, Ron Springs. This life changing event led Walls and Springs to establish the Gift of Life Foundation.
Although his life saving gift caught the nation's attention, it is just one example of Walls' selfless dedication to those in need. Throughout his life Walls has supported worthy causes for such organizations as Dallas Can Academy, Boys and Girls Clubs, Feed the Homeless, Coats for Kids, National Bone Marrow Association and many others. Walls has done much to improve the lives of young people in the community through his diligent efforts and generosity. This distinguishes him as a true role model for us all-especially young people.
Libby Watson,
Libby Watson held the position of Fort Worth Assistant
City Manager from January 1991 through January 2008. During
that time, Libby is passionate about the needs of children,
working for thirteen years as part of Corporate Champions
for Children, improving the quality of child care both in
Fort Worth and on a state and federal level. She was also
instrumental in the creation and implementation of Fort
Worth After School.
Stephanie Gillespie
Stephanie Gillespie is an Arlington, Texas Police Officer
who has worked for twelve year to foster resiliency in young
people. Stephanie is dedicated to the community, the
youth, and service to others. She serves as an exemplary
role model to those youth that she mentors. She not only
"talks the talk, but walks the walk."
For more information contact DiAnn Rucker at 817-492-4673 or drucker@santafeyouth.org
2006 Banquet Review
Award Recipients: Carey Cockerell was appointed the Commissioner of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) by Governor Perry in 2005. Prior to this appointment, Mr. Cockerell was Director of Juvenile Services for Tarrant County for more than 20 years. His dedication to young people and belief in collaborative efforts with community agencies lead to the development of a variety of innovate services to assist troubled young people in getting their lives back on track.
Bishop Ron Mays, pastor of Charity Church, established the Annual Coats for Kids Drive in 1990 which provides coats, toys, and food to over 10,000 individuals as well as school supplies for thousands of children each year. In addition, Bishop Mays developed the “Guns for Drums” program which allows teens to exchange guns for musical instruments.