BOARDMAN — Juan Reyna took home the award for Boardman’s Citizen of the Year at the community’s 35th annual Distinguished Citizens Awards Banquet.

The event was the night of March 7 at the SAGE Event Center in Boardman. The Boardman Chamber of Commerce holds the annual event to  highlight people who help “enhance the quality of life in Boardman through leadership, service and dedication,” chamber CEO Torrie Griggs said in a press release.

Reyna is a longtime Boardman resident who is involved with youth sports — coaching, cheering and volunteering in concession stands. He also volunteers with his church on its board of directors. He works at Threemile Canyon Farms, and Griggs noted his leadership, team mentality and work ethic.

“Juan Reyna embodies the very spirit of community — giving his time, energy and heart to support those around him,” Griggs said. “When someone in the community is in need, Juan is the first to step up.”

Youth Citizen of the Year

The Youth Citizen of the Year was Caelyn Pullen, a student at Riverside Jr./Sr. High School. The award goes to a young person dedicated to community service while maintaining good academics and leadership roles who can be an example to others.

Pullen is involved with Future Farmers of America, is on the cross-country team, mentors younger students and helps at the food pantry.

“Her trustworthiness, work ethic, and selflessness make her a role model among her peers,” said Griggs. “Caelyn would never request this recognition, and that is precisely why she deserves it. Her unwavering commitment to excellence and service makes her the ideal recipient of Youth Citizen of the Year.”

Additionally, the banquet featured an Experience Centerpiece Auction to support the Boardman Chamber Champion Program, which provides scholarships for Riverside High School seniors.

Griggs said the money given by attendees through the auction helps “support the next generation of leaders in our community.” She also congratulated winners and nominees, saying their actions embody why Boardman is a special place to live.

The seven award categories include citizen and youth citizen of the year, business people and business of the year, educator of the year, pioneers of the year and first responder of the year.

Business and Pioneer awards

Heather and Tom Baumgartner earned the Business People of the Year award. The couple owns Boardman Jumpstart Java, which expanded its operations in 2024 to include roasting beans. Both work other jobs — Heather as chief operating officer of the chamber — and they have been part of the Boardman community since 2013.

Griggs noted the Baumgartners’ donations to Riverside teachers and foster families, supporting medical and emergency fundraisers and volunteering with youth sports.

Jerry and Wanda Carr received the one of the biggest awards — pioneers of the year. The award goes to longtime Boardman residents who have had a significant hand in building the Boardman of today. They volunteer at the Boardman Senior Center to provide housing assistance, for example.

Griggs said the pair “have spent decades giving back, offering their time, skills and support to those in need.”

Other winners

Honorees were all highlighted for their community impact. Other award winners included:

• Beef Northwest Feeders and NBX Trucking (Business of the Year).
  Rachel Flynn, Riverside Jr./Sr. High School (Educator of the Year).
  Timothy Way, School Resource Officer (First Responder of the Year).