HERMISTON, Ore.-Six community members were honored at the 56th Annual Distinguished Service Awards on March 19 at the Hermiston Community Center.
Hosted by the Good Shepherd Community Health Foundation (GSCHF), the awards honor those who live or work in the greater Hermiston area, including Echo, Stanfield and Western Umatilla County, that have shown exceptional dedication to the community.
“We are fortunate to live in a region where the culture of community is so strong,” said Liz Marvin, Executive Director of the GSCHF. “Each of our honorees has a story of service that truly inspires. They show us what’s possible when people choose to give their time, energy, and heart to their community. Their kindness and dedication make a lasting impact in ways that often go beyond what we see.”
Hermiston Mayor Doug Primmer spoke of the Spirit of Hermiston being one of residents willing to leave the City a better place than they found it, and of the Distinguished Service Awards recognizing those efforts for over half a century.
“We stand on the legacy of those who paved the way with generations of service and community work,” said Primmer. “Tonight is about saying thank you and recognizing that service.”
Awards for First Responder of the Year, Community Champion, Outstanding Young Citizen, Christmas Spirit, Woman of the Year, Man of the Year, and Business of the Year were presented.
First Responder of the Year: Sr OSP Trooper Mark Amos
Amos has been with the Oregon State Police (OSP) since 2009 serving in a variety of roles, including SWAT team, firearms instructor, and Field Training Officer.
“For me, to love the community is to serve, giving of our two most precious commodities – time and effort,” said Amos, who also volunteers with Campus Life, makes educational outreach visits to local schools, and helps with the Jasmine Strong toy drive every holiday season.
After accepting his award, an emotional Amos recalled the selfless example his parents set for him, of meeting his wife and how she helps him through the difficult moments that come with the job, and of how faith guides him.
“I would encourage everyone to consider investing their time and effort,” said Amos. “Everyone has something to offer.”
Community Champion: Rian Middleton
“Is there anyone this gentleman doesn’t know? He radiates goodwill, acceptance and inclusion, we all need a community champion like Rian Middleton in our lives,” said Dan Dorran, Master of Ceremonies for the Distinguished Service Awards, echoing a sentiment of Middleton’s Uncle, Paul Bracher.
Known for greeting friends and community members with high-fives and calls of “Go Beavs,” Middleton was honored for his positivity, work ethic and volunteerism.
“Hello, thank you,” Middleton said after receiving his Community Champion award. “Go Beavs. I like people.”
Middleton’s community involvement includes, helping coach Unified Basketball, and he is a proud supporter of all Hermiston High School athletic programs. He also works with 4th grade students in the district weekly, and competes in swimming, golf, basketball and bowling, as well as cooking and baking competitions at the Umatilla County Fair.
Outstanding Young Citizen: Colby Lerten
“Community service and success are not just about yourself, but the impact you have on others,” said Lerten, a senior at Hermiston High School, who was honored for his support of HHS athletics and his tireless volunteer efforts, including with the Festival of Lights, Umatilla County Fair, and his work with the Hermiston Rotary, where he has been named a “Rotarian in Training.”
Lerten, who is also a member of the National Honor Society and has earned a golf scholarship to Corban University in Salem, shared how golf taught him patience, discipline, accountability, and the importance of never giving up.
“This award means a lot to me, it reflects all those who supported me along the way,” said Lerten, who thanked his mom, dad and extended family, including Grandmother Jeanne Jewett, for their support and the examples they set. “I’m excited to keep growing and giving back.”
Christmas Spirit Award: Josh Theros
Theros was honored for his continued impact with the Hermiston School District and in the community, as well as for his kindness, generosity and deep commitment to others.
A courier with the Hermiston School District, Theros also volunteers his time with students and youth sports programs. He was awarded the Christmas Spirit award during the GSCHF Festival of Trees in December.
“I appreciate the award, it’s an honor,” said Theros. “I love talking to kids, and my family always encourages me. Thank you for the award and for coming out tonight, I appreciate it.”
Woman of the Year: Aloris Winters
Winters was recognized for her work in the insurance industry and for her efforts in the local community.
Having worked in the insurance industry since her late teenage years, Winters was noted for her wealth of information for clients, as well as her co-workers, for her reliability, and for her work on local and state insurance boards.
Winters was one of the first women members of the Hermiston Rotary and served as the club’s first female president. She has also served on the boards of the Eastern Oregon Mission, Agape House, and is currently President of the board of TruCare Pregnancy Center.
“This is such an undeserved honor, I’m grateful and blessed to live in this community,” said Winters. “So many people throughout my life have encouraged me, and without my family I couldn’t have participated in so many events.”
Man of the Year: Eldon Marcum
Marcum first volunteered with the Stanfield Fire Department in 1973, and is still working, mentoring and teaching the next generation.
A pillar of the Stanfield community, Marcum was honored for “not just showing up, but ensuring others can too, making Stanfield stronger, kinder and more connected for over 50 years.”
Marcum helps organize Stanfield’s 4th of July Celebration, the flags along Highway 395, food during the summer reading program and for Halloween, sells community Christmas trees, shovels snow, and collects jackets for kids every winter.
“I think helping others is my self-help program,” said Marcum. “I started with the volunteer fire department and went from there. When there was nobody to sell trees, I started doing that. Helping is a growing thing, and I like doing it. I appreciate everybody acknowledging me. Thank you very much.”
Business of the Year: Clayton Homes
Clayton Homes, which opened in 1966 and is one of Hermiston’s legacy employers, was recognized for its commitment to the community, including efforts on behalf of parks and recreation, community celebrations and seasonal events.
Clayton Homes was honored for its culture of community service, including partnering with Stepping Stones Alliance to build shelter units, and for its employees who consistently show up for the community.
“Thanks to the Good Shepherd Community Health Foundation and the community,” said Thomas Shimp, General Manager at Clayton Homes, who highlighted the organization’s company-wide paid volunteer program, that contributed 886 hours to the community in 2025. “This is the heart of what we do, I’m so privileged and honored to be amongst you.”
The Distinguished Service Awards concluded with a video tribute showcasing the night’s honorees.
“Recognizing these individuals is both an honor and a responsibility, and their dedication strengthens the fabric of our community,” said Marvin.
The Mission of the Good Shepherd Community Health Foundation is to enhance the quality of life and general health of residents living in the West Umatilla and Morrow County communities.
More information about supporting the Foundation, upcoming events, scholarships and grants, is available online.
