The inaugural Mary Parks Youth Champion award was given to two out of eight nominees. Gainesville City Schools Superintendent Merrianne Dyer and Judge Mary Carden were given the award, named after Parks, who spent much of her career with the Hall County School District as a teacher and director of student services. She also served as the Hall County Family Connection coordinator. “(Parks) dedicated her life to creating positive opportunities for young people throughout Hall County,” said JP Banks, director of the Drug Free Coalition of Hall County.