The Liz Garrison Memorial Award is a one-time award given each year. The recipient will be a promising youth who will be bridging into young adulthood. The award may be used for any purpose related to launching into life: first-apartment expenses, purchase of a car, equipment and supplies to begin a trade, college tuition, etc. 

The award is given by Jean Daniels and the late Ed Garrison in memory of their daughter Liz. The award will be given based on financial need to a young person who possesses qualities that were important to Liz: a compassionate nature and a deep interest in service and social justice, including LGBTQ+ rights.

Application Requirements

• Be a high school senior or youth who turns 18 years old in the calendar year in which the award is made;
• Have been a member of First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Antonio for a minimum of one year before the date of the application deadline. For specific membership requirements, see the Director of Lifespan Religious Education or the Minister;
• Be an active participant of First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Antonio through religious education, youth group, or volunteerism; 
• Possess the basic personal qualities that Liz had and admired: compassion, with an interest in furthering causes of social justice, including LGBTQ+ rights;
• Submit all materials as outlined in the application process below.

Application Process

Online application:

Complete the online application at Liz Garrison Award Application

References:

One letter of recommendation from a First UU adult who can speak to your involvement with the church as well as your spirit of service, demonstrated sense of responsibility, and commitment to social justice.

One letter of recommendation letter from an adult who can speak to your spirit of service, demonstrated sense of responsibility, and commitment to social justice.

Presentation or project:

Formats may include but are not limited to essay, slide presentation, or video. The presentation should demonstrate your

• active involvement in the life of First UU San Antonio
• concern for social justice
• sense of responsibility

The presentation should also explain how the award would allow you to realize an opportunity that might not otherwise be available to you, or would enhance your transition into young adulthood.

Essays should be 500-1,000 words; videos 5-10 minutes. Other formats should reflect an equivalent amount of effort.

Finalists may be invited to interview with the selection committee

References may not be provided by church staff.

Who will choose the award recipient:

Frank Garrison (family member)

Chair of First UU San Antonio’s Rainbow Inclusion Committee (or similar)

Chair of First UU San Antonio’s Social Justice Committee

Chair of the Member Care committee

All materials are due to the Director of Lifespan religious education at tversteeg@uusat.org on the last Sunday of April. Paper application forms are available upon request. Hard copy application materials must be delivered to the religious education office, First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Antonio, 7150 West Interstate 10 West, San Antonio, Texas 78213 and must be postmarked by the Friday before the last Sunday of April.