The Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce last week took its supporters and benefactors on a Passport Around the World ride at its annual Community Awards Gala.
The playful theme of international travel was woven throughout the event, held at Bret Harte Hall at Roaring Camp Railroads: Chamber leaders were bedecked in flight attendants’ gear, a program was disguised as a passport, and decor celebrating the meteoric flight path of the Chamber’s work.
Master of Ceremonies Cheryl Rebottaro sprinkled airline jargon throughout her various introductions, reminding attendees to return their seats to the full upright position and stow tray tables as the celebration got under way.
Following a welcomed speech by Chamber Executive Director Danny Reber, individuals and groups alike were feted for their contributions to improving life in Scotts Valley.
The Business of the Year honor went to Kissed by an Angel Wines, a Scotts Valley-based business started by Larry and Lisa Olivio.
The couple lost their daughter, Amanda, who passed away at the age of 22, and founded the winery in honor of her whimsical nature. Kissed by an Angel is well-known for its philanthropic reach, donating wines to school fundraisers, community events and the Fallen Officer Foundation. Since its inception, Kissed by an Angel Wines has raised over $100,000 for the Make A Wish Foundation in Amanda’s honor. The Olivios sold their business to Amy and Phil Watson who will carry on the traditions established by Olivios.
Scotts Valley High School’s Dayna Nedney was awarded the title of Educator of the Year. Nedney, who has been an educator at SVHS since 2002, spoke about her various successes in her 23-year career, including her work with the leadership program and student government.
Nedney was recognized as someone who meets her students where they are, and invites them to dream big as she organizes student events and fosters school spirit as the high school activities director.
The SVHS Youth of the Year, senior Alexandra Morairty, brought a breath of fresh air (not from the oxygen masks) as she recounted her experiences as a Scotts Valley student. From Vine Hill Elementary to Scotts Valley Middle School, Morairty has driven herself hard to participate in a number of on- and off-campus initiatives to make a difference in the lives of others: from ASB (Associated Student Body) president to working in the on-campus haunted house, working off-campus as an employee at LightSpeed Martial Arts and acting as a volunteer at the Santa Cruz Animal Shelter.
Morairty is headed to UCLA in the fall to study immunology and work with vaccines.
Alexandra’s mother was honored as the Chamber’s Woman of the Year. Honoree Sharon Willey moved into Scotts Valley in 2010 and has made an impact on the city, including working with the Scotts Valley High School Parent Club and the Scotts Valley High School 25th Anniversary planning team. She also volunteers at the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter, Scotts Valley High School’s Haunted House, the annual Multicultural Fair and Santa Cruz County Adopt-a-Family.
Willey was cited for her willingness to overlook the turbulence of day-to-day life and embrace the concept of volunteerism and selflessness.
The Scotts Valley High School Hope Squad landed the coveted Organization of the Year award. The Hope Squad is a student-led, peer-to-peer suicide prevention and mental health program that was created in 2022 following the death of a SVHS student. Founded and led by students Ella Webb and Alexa Ruiz, “the group empowers students to support one another by recognizing signs of mental health struggles and connecting peers with trusted adults and resources,” according to the Gala’s program.
Scotts Valley City Councilmember Donna Lind, dressed like a circa-1970’s TWA flight attendant, took home the prize of Chamber Ambassador of the Year.
Lind, who celebrates 57 years as a City of Scotts Valley employee this August, was the first female police officer and the first female police sergeant in the City. Lind is President of the Fallen Officer Foundation and has served three terms as mayor.
“Whenever there is a grand opening, ribbon cutting or anything that celebrates the forward momentum of Scotts Valley, Lind is there to help celebrate,” the Chamber said. As the longest serving member of the Chamber, Lind can be found at the annual Art, Wine & Beer Festival as well as the Cops ’n Rodders Car Show.
Scotts Valley Police Chief Stephen Walpole Jr. was named Man of the Year.
Walpole, who transferred from working in law enforcement in Santa Clara County to Scotts Valley in 2014, has guided his department through a series of unplanned events including Covid-19, CZU Fire evacuations and a tiny tornado that ripped through downtown in December of 2024. Walpole frequently steps out from behind his badge to support organizations that are meaningful to him including the Scotts Valley Exchange Club and the Northern California Special Olympics. In 2021, he received the Special Olympics Award of Excellence for his contributions to the agency.
For more information on how to support the efforts of the Chamber of Commerce, visit scottsvalleychamber.com.
