An Evening in Wonderland was a Night to Remember: Celebrating the Best of our Community at Tigard Shining Stars 2026!
The 52nd Annual Tigard Shining Stars Community Awards Gala was nothing short of extraordinary. From heartfelt moments and inspiring stories to laughter, celebration, and community connection, this year’s event reminded all of us exactly why Tigard is such a special place to call home.
Hosted by the Tigard Area Chamber of Commerce, Shining Stars is more than an awards gala. It is a celebration of the people, businesses, volunteers, and students who dedicate themselves to strengthening our community every single day.
This year’s celebration brought together community leaders, educators, businesses, nonprofits, elected officials from every level of Government, volunteers, and families for an unforgettable evening of recognition and gratitude. The room was filled with energy, pride, and a shared appreciation for those who continually step up to make Tigard stronger, kinder, and more connected.
One of the most meaningful parts of the evening was recognizing our incredible scholarship recipients. These outstanding students represent the future of Tigard, and their leadership, service, academic achievement, and dedication to community left everyone inspired. Watching these young leaders receive scholarships and celebrate their accomplishments was a powerful reminder that the future of our community is incredibly bright. Our 2026 scholarship recipients included:
Cooper Westfall
Daniel Ahranjani
Dominic Gold
Haley Barnachea
Kelsey Kumm
Molly Hughart
We were also honored to celebrate this year’s award recipients, each of whom embodies the spirit of service, leadership, and community impact. From longtime volunteers and business leaders to emerging young professionals and youth volunteers, every honoree has helped shape Tigard into a community that supports and uplifts one another. Our 2026 award recipients included:
Ambassador of the Year – Jason Weitz
Young Professional of the Year – Van Le
Volunteer of the Year – Malaina Kinne
Youth Volunteer of the Year – Emma Hale
“From the Heart” – Carin Grover
Business of the Year – Tigard Festival of Balloons
First Citizen – Dennis Johnson
CEO Shooting Star – Dan Murphy
A special congratulations again to all of our award winners, including those recognized for volunteerism, community leadership, business excellence, and youth impact. Their stories reminded us that real change happens because people choose to invest their time, talent, and heart into others.
This event would not have been possible without the incredible support of our sponsors, volunteers, Chamber Ambassadors, Board Members, Staff, and community partners who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to create such a memorable evening. Thank you for helping us continue a tradition that has celebrated community excellence in Tigard for more than five decades.
Most importantly, thank you to everyone who attended, supported, nominated, volunteered, and celebrated alongside us. Shining Stars exists because of this community and the people within it who continue to show up for one another year after year.
At a time when the world can often feel divided or uncertain, evenings like Shining Stars remind us of what is possible when a community comes together with purpose, compassion, and pride.
Tigard truly shines because of all of you.
We are already looking forward to next year. ✨
Learn more about the and future events at Tigard Chamber.