HERMISTON, Ore.-Seven community members were honored at the 55th Annual Distinguished Service Awards on March 19 at the Hermiston Community Center.
Hosted by the Good Shepherd Community Health Foundation, the awards honor those who live or work in the greater Hermiston area, including Echo, Stanfield and Western Umatilla County, and that have shown exceptional dedication to the community.
Distinguished Service Awards are awarded based on submissions from community members and the annual awards ceremony is open to the public.
“We are blessed to live in a community that values initiative and a strong work ethic,” said Liz Marvin, Executive Director of the Foundation. “The individuals honored this year have dedicated their lives to serving others.”
Awards for Community Champion, Outstanding Young Citizen, First Responder of the Year, Woman of the Year, Man of the Year, Business of the Year and the Christmas Spirit Award were presented.
Community Champion: Carlisle Harrison
Carlisle Harrison was honored for 60 years of service to the City of Hermiston and on behalf of parks and recreation efforts across Eastern Oregon.
Harrison’s “dedication to community engagement and environmental stewardship continues to inspire a culture of volunteerism and advocacy for Parks and Recreation in Hermiston,” according to his nomination.
Harrison helped with the development of Riverfront Park, Hodge Park, Victory Square Park, Butte Park, Oxbow Trail and has coordinated the planting of thousands of trees throughout Hermiston.
In addition to arranging the Arbor Day Tree Giveaway every spring, Harrison also helped bring recreational facilities, such as basketball and pickleball courts to Hermiston with his leadership and personal financial donations.
“His efforts serve as a model for professionals in the field, embodying the impact one individual can have on shaping a community for future generations,” according to his nomination.
Outstanding Young Citizen: Catherine Doherty
“She is the kind of student who lifts others up, creates opportunities for those around her, and makes people feel seen and valued,” said Doherty’s nomination. “Her impact on Hermiston High School and our community will last long after she graduates.”
Doherty, a student at Hermiston High School serves as ASB Leadership President, is a member of the National Honor Society, is involved with Future Farmers of America (FFA) and plays varsity slow-pitch softball and tennis.
Doherty also serves on the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) LEAP committee, which promotes leadership through education, activities and personal development.
First Responder of the Year: Scott Stanton
Stanton serves as Chief of Umatilla County Fire District #1 (UCFD1) and was instrumental in the formation of the fire district in 2016 by combining the Hermiston Fire District and Stanfield Fire District.
Chief Stanton promoted and worked to pass a bond measure to upgrade the district’s station and equipment, and is active in community outreach, including community first aid and CPR classes.
Chief Stanton is currently overseeing the development of UCFD 1’s first-ever strategic plan.
Woman of the Year: Kay Edwards
Edwards, a longtime youth sports and equity advocate, was honored as the 2024 Woman of the Year.
“Her impact is seen in the thriving sports programs she helped establish, the equity she fought to achieve and the countless young lives she has influenced,” read Edwards’ nomination.
Edwards has been involved in youth sports in Hermiston for almost four decades, advocating for equality and ensuring that every child has access to sports programs and facilities.
Edwards worked to secure equal facilities for softball and baseball and helped plan, design and bring the Field of Dreams to reality. She was also instrumental in the development of club sports in Hermiston and her training, coaching and mentoring efforts have now reached generations of athletes.
“She not only changed the landscape of youth athletics in Hermiston but has also instilled a culture of perseverance, respect and individuality that will benefit generations to come,” said the nomination submitted for Edwards.
Man of the Year: Dave Rademacher
Rademacher, an active volunteer locally and regionally in both youth and civic activities, was awarded the Man of the Year award for 2024.
A longtime Hermiston sports booster, Rademacher organized the now annual Sports Booster Steak Feed and has been a leader and coach of AAU and Hermiston youth basketball.
Rademacher is involved in Hermiston’s Civic Leadership Academy and has served as a Scout leader for over 20 years and also volunteers with the Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue.
Rademacher was honored as the Man of the Year for his “humble, gentle and compassionate leadership style” and his willingness to serve the community and individuals in need.
Business of the Year: Rogers Toyota
Rogers Toyota, a fixture in the Hermiston community since 2013 and longtime sponsor of local events was named the Business of the Year.
In addition to providing financial support to community events and initiatives, Rogers also sponsors the Umatilla County Fair and Rodeo, an annual Show-and-Shine Car Show and Hermiston’s Festival of Trees.
Rogers also keeps the Good Shepherd Health Care System CareVans running, ensuring patients can get to appointments when transportation is difficult.
Christmas Spirit Award: Bob Green
Presented by the Good Shepherd Community Health Foundation, the Christmas Spirit Award is given to those who exemplify the Spirit of Christmas by giving of themselves in service to others throughout the year.
Bob Green was awarded the 29th Annual Christmas Spirit Award for his “selfless volunteerism that embodies the core values of generosity, compassion and community spirit, making him an exemplary model for others to follow.”
In addition to his tireless volunteerism, Green coordinates church music programs and provides guidance and support to community and business initiatives, uplifting and inspiring those around him along the way.
“Thankfully, the culture of our area encourages those with ideas and the drive to make them a reality-and more often than not, those ideas come to life,” said Marvin. “I hope that by honoring others, it will continue to inspire residents to do their part.”
The Good Shepherd Community Health Foundation works to enhance the quality of life and health for residents in the West Umatilla and Morrow County area. More information on the foundation is available here.
