The Distinguished Friend Award is bestowed annually upon an individual who has demonstrated a commitment to the mission and vision of the Foundation.

Lisa Pardo
2024 GCEF Distinguished Friend

Lisa has served on the GCISD Board of Trustees for 20 years. Four of those year’s serving as President. She joined the GCEF board in 2022 and is currently the VP of the Scholarships and Grants Committee. Although her children are grown, Lisa continues to serve the community. She has always believed in having a purpose in life that betters and benefits others.

Previous Distinguished Friend Award Recipients:

2023 – Dr. Rob Ryan
2022 – Mark Maness
2021 – Sharon DeWillis
2020 • Helen Reed
2019 GCEF Distinguished Friend Jon Bullock
2019 • Jon Bullock
2018 GCEF Distinguished Friend Dr. Jesse Schroeder
2018 • Dr. Jesse Schroeder
2017 GCEF Distinguished Friends Pat & Ron Adams
2017 • Pat & Ron Adams
2016 GCEF Distinguished Friend Sue Franks
2016 • Sue Franks
2015 GCEF Distinguished Friend Marion Brekken
2015 • Marion Brekken
2014 GCEF Distinguished Friend Mike Davis
2014 • Mike Davis
2013 GCEF Distinguished Friend Judy Atwood
2013 • Judy Atwood
2012 GCEF Distinguished Friend Mary Alice Rippe
2012 • Mary Alice Rippe
2011 GCEF Distinguished Friend Don Johnston
2011 • Don Johnston
2010 GCEF Distinguished Friend Mary Humphrey
2010 • Mary Humphrey
2009 GCEF Distinguished Friend Janice Kane
2009 • Janice Kane
2008 GCEF Distinguished Friend John T Eubanks
2008 • John T. Eubanks
2007 GCEF Distinguished Friend Mark Howe
2007 • Mark Howe
2006 GCEF Distinguished Friend Dr. Jim Thompson
2006 • Dr. Jim Thompson
2005 GCEF Distinguished Friend Shirley Cannon Holley
2005 • Shirley Cannon Holley
2004 GCEF Distinguished Friend Balla Wright
2004 • Balla Wright
2003 GCEF Distinguished Friend Roy Stewart
2003 • Roy Stewart