UMATILLA, Ore.-Five community members were honored at the annual Umatilla Distinguished Citizen Awards Banquet on May 15.
Presented by the Umatilla Chamber of Commerce, the awards honor those who live and work in Umatilla, and who make a difference in the community.
“Thanks for coming out tonight to celebrate some of our distinguished citizens, educators and volunteers,” said Josiah Barron, Executive Director of the Umatilla Chamber of Commerce. “It’s always an honor to be part of this occasion and thank you to our platinum sponsor Good Shepherd Health Care System, and our Gold Sponsor, Amazon.”
About a hundred people attended the ceremony to honor the Citizen of the Year, Business of the Year, Bridge Builder Award recipients, and Umatilla Police Department Award, held in the Umatilla High School Commons.
Attendees enjoyed dinner and dessert from Acapulco Mexican Food and Isabel’s Antojitos, two local Umatilla restaurants.
The Umatilla community nominates residents for the annual Distinguished Citizen Awards, and recipients are selected by a three-member selection committee.
“Tonight is about recognition, but more importantly, it’s about people,” said Casey Tricker, Umatilla Chamber Board of Directors, President. “Those who continue to show up for this community because they truly care. No community is perfect, but nights like tonight show what can happen when people care and come together.”
2025 Business of the Year: Greater Purpose Heating and Cooling
Leroy Lopez was born in Umatilla and attended Umatilla schools from kindergarten through 12th grade. After graduating from Umatilla High School, he entered the workforce when a buddy introduced him to HVAC, a job that would turn into a career and a passion.
After enrolling in trade school and earning his HVAC certification, Lopez started Greater Purpose Heating and Cooling as a mobile business in 2021, and ultimately opened a storefront in downtown Umatilla in 2024.
“Greater Purpose generously gives back to the community and local schools with sponsorships,” Barron said in presenting the award. “The Greater Purpose team is a light to our community, with their work ethic and dedication to making our community a better place, they are truly working for a greater purpose.”
“I’m truly honored to accept this award from the Umatilla Chamber of Commerce, it means more than you know,” said Lopez. “Thank you to the community for your trust and support, thank you to my family for your love and sacrifice, and thanks to the Greater Purpose team for your hard work and long hours-this belongs to you.”
2025 Citizen of the Year: Genesis Lugo Zuniga
Genesis Lugo Zuniga, who grew up in Umatilla and continues to give back to the community through coaching and volunteering, was honored as the Citizen of the Year.
“Genesis is a true reflection of what it means to give back to the place that shaped you,” said Barron, summing up one of the nominations submitted on behalf of Zuniga.
Zuniga has volunteered as a soccer, basketball and flag football coach for over 10 years, and started the Umatilla Girl Scout Troop. She is also the Treasurer of the Umatilla Booster Club and serves on multiple committees for Umatilla schools and with Parks and Recreation.
“Thank you to my family and the community,” said Zuniga after receiving her award. “I truly love being here, helping and volunteering. I would push everyone to volunteer as much as they can to keep our community strong.”
Umatilla School District Bridge Builder Awards
The Umatilla School District’s Bridge Builder Awards are presented annually to staff members who go beyond their daily duties to strengthen connections between the district and the community.
Columbia Vista Intermediate Principal Tim Young presented Bridge Builder Awards to Anay Mendoza and Courtney Bivins.
Mendoza, a 5th grade teacher at Columbia Vista Intermediate, was recognized for being “exceptionally organized and caring, for her ability to connect with students while maintaining structure, and for volunteering and always being ready with a smile,” according to Young.
Bivins, was honored for her “remarkable flexibility and ability to step into any role” as an Educational Assistant and After School Coordinator at Columbia Vista Intermediate.
“She’s a breath of fresh air,” Young said in introducing Bivins. “She has excellent communication skills and a genuine care for students and the community.”
Umatilla Police Department Award
Umatilla Police Lieutenant Keith Kennedy, who grew up in Umatilla and returned to the City to live and work after serving in the Coast Guard, was honored with an award from the Umatilla Police Department.
In almost thirty years with the Umatilla Police, Lieutenant Kennedy has mentored young officers and given back to the community as a football coach and basketball referee.
“For nearly three decades he has shown up every day to serve the citizens of this community,” said Umatilla PD Chief Ron Bridge, in presenting the award to Lieutenant Kennedy. “Lieutenant Kennedy’s service, leadership and mentorship represent what this award is about, thank you for your leadership and dedication.”
Umatilla Rural Fire Protection District Presentation
The Distinguished Citizen Awards Banquet concluded with a presentation by Hunter Eynon, a Firefighter/EMT with Umatilla Rural Fire Protection District.
“Our job is to protect lives and property and be there when people are having the worst day of their lives,” said Eynon.
Eynon spoke about the district’s rebuilding efforts, its emphasis on safety and equipment, and how, as a special district, it’s funded by the district and taxpayers.
More information on the Umatilla Chamber of Commerce and the Distinguished Citizen Awards Banquet is available online.
