Drug free coalitions recognizes partner organization, retiring juvenile court judge

GAINESVILLE - The Drug Free Coalition of Hall County held its second annual dinner meeting and awards ceremony Tuesday evening. <br /> <br /> Awards were presented for the Coalition Partner Organization of the Year and the second annual Mary Parks Youth Champion. <br /> <br /> JP Banks, Coalition Director said: "Mary Parks was a champion for youth who dedicated her life to creating positive opportunities for young people throughout Hall County." The award criterion included: 1) a professional or volunteer that has made significant impact on the lives of youth; 2) has affected a community-wide change on the behalf of youth - resulting in an environmental impact; and 3) brought people and ideas together for the benefit of youth maximizing community resources.<br /> <br /> The second annual Mary Parks Youth Champion award was presented to retiring Hall County Juvenile Court Judge Cliff Jolliff, who spent almost a quarter century with the court. <br /> <br /> "I am very appreciative to receive this award named in honor of Dr. Mary Parks. She was a tireless advocate for community collaboration among human service and educational agencies. She spearheaded the formation of the Drug Free Coalition and her many successful accomplishments were inspirational to me," Judge Cliff Jolliff said.<br /> <br /> Center Point was awarded the 2014 Partner Organization of the Year. David Smith, Executive Director accepted the award. The award is presented to an organization that has exemplified partnership and true collaboration with the Coalition and its goal to reduce substance abuse among youth in Hall County. <br /> <br /> In addition to the presentation of awards, a mother and two youth shared personal stories of drug abuse and recovery