PHOTOS BY JENNIFER COLTON
The theme was “Night of a Thousand Stars” in Umatilla on Friday, but one star both opened and closed the evening at the Umatilla Chamber of Commerce’s 2014 Distinguished Citizen Awards Banquet.
“I’m a little overwhelmed to be honest,” TenEyck said after the banquet. “I didn’t expect this.”
TenEyck was presented with the Umatilla Citizen of the Year Award for his community work, including spearheading a community effort to save the Umatilla Marina and RV Park.
“I feel very fortunate and proud that I was chosen, but at the same time, I know there are countless people who deserve this award, so I am just honored,” TenEyck said.
In addition to presenting the Citizen of the Year award, Umatilla Chamber Director Karen Hutchinson-Talaski also presented the “Business of the Year” award to Dave Meade of Columbia Harvest Foods and the “George Alan Curtis Creative Spirit Award” to Paula Trueax, a kindergarten teacher at McNary Heights Elementary. The spirit award recognizes Umatilla residents who contribute to celebrating Umatilla’s past and enhancing its future through creative vision and accomplishments.
In addition to the chamber awards, the Umatilla Police Department and the Umatilla School District each honored four individuals.
Umatilla Police Chief Darla Huxel announced the Spirit of Community Award recipient as Umatilla School District Superintendent Heidi Sipe, who couldn’t attend the event, for her work in supporting a variety of programs for Umatilla, seeking grants and creative projects and being a “true problem solver.”
The chief also presented an award to Kathy Thomas, health educator at Good Shepherd Medical Center.
“I appreciate this very much,” Thomas said. “It means a lot.”
“We really owe a debt of gratitude to reserve offices. Not only are they doing the job for free, they’re also taking the ultimate risk,” Huxel said.
Estes could not attend the event, and 6-year-old Sarah Wilson, who is like a granddaughter to Estes, accepted the award on his behalf.
The Umatilla School District also honored four individuals with its annual “Bridge Builder” awards.
“She really is an amazing lady,” he said. “It’s unsung people like her that make the school day work.”
UHS teacher Lupe Escovedo received the Teacher of the Year award. In addition to teaching both math and Spanish as an “outstanding educator,” Escovedo organized a Hispanic parent day, spending “countless” hours calling families and translating materials.
“He’s got all the character and good moral values you want to be around your kids,” Ferguson said.
“She’s the smiling face you see as you walk through the door, and she can handle just about anything that comes through that door,” Ferguson said. “She is just truly, truly an absolutely amazing, selfless person.”
The Umatilla School District’s fourth award was also the night’s only standing ovation.
Umatilla High School student Karly Farnsworth was recognized with both a special Bridge Builders award and an award for heroism. Farnsworth was driving through Riverside Park in Irrigon on Feb. 18 when a young girl ran up screaming for help.
While her stepfather called 911, Karly followed the girl to the river, where her 12-year-old sister had fallen in the icy water. Karly braced against a pole and pulled the girl from the water, soaking herself in the process. She then waited with the girl until the ambulance arrived.
“Karly is passionate, leads by example and is always eager to help,” Ferguson said. “She is absolutely a hero.”
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