Champions of Blackstone

Created by the Blackstone Heritage Corridor, the John H. Chafee Leadership Award honors the late senator’s legacy and recognizes individuals who have worked on projects that promote cultural heritage, environmental conservation, economic development, and the quality of life in the Blackstone River Valley. Past years’ recipients have celebrated community leaders, preservation heroes, business partners, and environmental advocates whose achievements resulted in the public’s benefit. These heroes have demonstrated the Valley’s long tradition of leadership and inspiration.

The Blackstone Heritage Corridor Student of the Year Award recognizes an outstanding student or group of students (Elementary, Middle, and High School age) who have worked on projects that promote cultural heritage and/or environmental conservation in the Blackstone River Valley.

The Suzanne Buchanan Volunteer of the Year Award was created in 2021 to honor a Blackstone Heritage Corridor Volunteers-In-Parks volunteer who embodies the welcoming spirit and unbridled enthusiasm that Suzanne demonstrated, recorded extraordinary volunteer hours, and/or encouraged new volunteers.

The Blackstone Heritage Corridor Partner of the Year Award recognizes an outstanding partner organization that has worked on projects that promote cultural heritage, environmental conservation, and the quality of life in the Blackstone River Valley.