WILLCOX Favorite Sons/Daughters

The Favorite Son/Daughter Award has been presented during Rex Allen Days since it was started in 1986 by Greg LaFreniere, the publisher of the Arizona Range News at that time. The award is presented in the spirit of Rex Allen to someone who has left Willcox and made their mark elsewhere, but has never forgotten Willcox was home. In 1996, the Northern Cochise Community Hospital added an "In-town" recipient, for someone who has made his or her mark here at home. In 2009, there was no longer a sponsor for the In-town recipient, and the Range News chose the best nominee overall. In 2012, there will once again be a sponsor for the In-town recipient, as well as the Range News for Out-of town recipient, so with enough nominees, there will be two honorees.

In-town favorite son/daughter award is given to a man or woman who meets two or more of the following qualifications:

Was born in Willcox
Graduated from the eighth grade in Willcox
Attended school in Willcox for majority of elementary/high school
Graduated from high school in Willcox

And:

Has consistently lived in Willcox
Is a Willcox supporter and promoter
Has made a difference in the lives of people in Willcox
Attained recognition outside of Willcox

The out-of-town favorite son/daughter award is given to a man or woman who meets the following qualifications:

Was born in Willcox, or
Spent the majority of his/her growing up years in Willcox
Attended or graduated from high school in Willcox
Considers Willcox his/her "hometown"
Is a Willcox supporter and promoter
Has made a difference in people's lives
Attained recognition in his/her life's occupation/location..

**Willcox Favorite Sons or Daughters Recipients**
In Town Recipient	Out of Town Recipient	Year of Induction
Whelan, Cristina Willey, Jeff		2016
Cook, Jimmy		2015
Broome, Daryl Lyn Gonzales, Manuel J. “Manny”		2014
Dunham, Dennis and Connie	Davidson, Gilbert	2013
Clement, Gary		2012
Estavillo, Ross		2011
Robbs, Sally Gordon		2010
Weaver, Jake		2009
--	Hansen, Homer	2008
Nicholson, Betty Jo "Honey" Wear	Lee, Cindy Tenney	2007
Stark, Pat	Collins, Jerry	2006
--	--	2005
Gonzales, Frank	Lane, Joe	2004
Arzberger, Gus	Browning, Eddie	2003
Bethel, Russ	Modica, Ann Huffman	2002
Bethel, Howard and Gwen	Keiller, Danny	2001
Bloise, Claudine	Grosh, George "Sonny"	2000
Bethel, Jonnie Belle	DiBiase, Ted 'Million Dollar Man'	1999
Jensen, Chris	Gordon, Carlton Jr.	1998
Clark, Ellen	Ramirez, Francisco	1997
Harris, Dave	Hurtado, Paul	1996
--	Riggs, Jonny B.	1995
--	Orozco, Rebecca Blanke	1994
--	Neal, Troy	1993
--	Bamrick, Mary Anne McHenry	1992
--	Taylor, Shirley Jo Harris	1991
--	Carrillo, Robert	1990
--	Bliss, Robert "Bob"	1989
--	Allen, Rex Sr	1988
--	Clapp, Carl	1987
--	Johnson, Marvin "Swede"	1986