Awards

McLean Award for Philanthropy

The McLean Award for Philanthropy is given to honor individuals, families, and corporations that exemplify CREATE Founders George and Anna Keirsey McLean’s spirit in charitable giving. It recognizes the extraordinary leadership of people and organizations working to improve the quality of life in their community and the CREATE region.

2025 McLean Award Recipients

Sarah Young

Described as "the hands and feet of Christ in our community," Sarah Young has been generous with her time, talent and treasure, willing to share even when not asked.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi continues its mission of creating a healthier Mississippi.

Past Recipients of the McLean Award

Jim and Lisa Hawkins
Sam and Mary Pace
Orma and Terre Smith
2024

Dan and Frances Brasfield
Albert and Billie Green
Barry Wax
2023

Elizabeth “Betsy” Brown
Hull Davis Family
Larry and Judy Kirk
Jack and Lisa Reed
Heywood and Sue Washburn
2022

Ed and Becky Meek
2021

2020 VM Cleveland
2019 Ted and Lynn Moll
2018 Mossy Oak
2017 Dalrymple Family
2015 C.C. Clark and Company; Julie and Michael Waldorf
2014 Toyota Motor Manufacturing MS
2013 Babs and Mickey Holliman; BNA Bank
2012 Ruby Kathryn and Aubrey Patterson
2011 Christy and Milton Sundbeck; Renasant Bank

2010 Crane Family; Jane and Frank Spain
2009 Rosemary and Sandy Williams; Nancy Ann and Kenneth Williams
2008 Jim and Claiborne Barksdale; Anne J. Stephens
2007 Brevard Family; William Raspberry
2006 North Mississippi Health Services; Hassell Franklin
2005 Corinne and Benjamin Price; BancorpSouth
2004 Barbara and Bobby Martin; Kenny Dill and Family
2003 Frances and Jack Reed; The Hancock Foundation
2002 Carpenter Foundation
2001 Phil Hardin Foundation

James Hugh Ray Community Affiliate Award

Known as the “architect of CREATE,” Ray was a community hero, regional leader, and devoted board member. The James Hugh Ray Community Affiliate Award was established in his honor to recognize community affiliates who embody that same spirit spirit of leadership, collaboration, and dedication to making their communities stronger.

Community Affiliates of the Year

2025 | PACE - Chickasaw
2024 | PACT - Pontotoc
2023 | Starkville Community Foundation
2022 | UNITE - New Albany-Union
2021 | FIRST - Itawamba
2020 | Lowndes Community Foundation
2010 | CARE - Corinth-Alcorn
2019 | CARE - Corinth-Alcorn
2018 | LEAD - Tupelo-Lee

Jack Reed, Sr. Community Leadership Award

Each year, the Jack Reed, Sr. Community Leadership Award — supported by an endowment at CREATE and funded by a special dividend from the Daily Journal’s parent company, Journal, Inc. — honors an individual or organization that provides leadership in improving the quality of life in Northeast Mississippi.