Cupertino Chamber recognizes ‘stars’ in the community

The Cupertino Chamber of Commerce has endorsed three candidates for City Council.

The Cupertino Chamber of Commerce is continuing its tradition of honoring community members, despite the need to keep celebrations virtual.

In its annual STAR Awards, the group acknowledges extraordinary contributions to the local community.

Honoring the work of West Valley Community Services as the non-profit of the year, and its executive director Josh Selo as the citizen of the year, is no surprise given the outsized role the organization has played in supporting vulnerable residents throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Chamber has selected Marieann Shovlin of the League of Women Voters for its President’s Award. Patrick Ahrens, City Councilmember Darcy Paul, and Dr Andy Wen are receiving the STAR of Cupertino Award.

Instead of its standard celebration event, COVID-19 is forcing organizers to fete its honorees in a new way.

The virtual event, set for Friday, September 25, at 6:30 p.m. is open to the public. Registration includes a delivered celebration kit with wine, chocolate, and non-perishables.

To register for the event, or to see more details, click here.

Other honorees include the following:

  • Business of the Year: Rotary Club of Cupertino
  • City of Cupertino Employee of the Year: Amanda Hui, Cupertino Senior Center
  • Cupertino Union School District Educator of the Year: Stacy Smith, Garden Gate
  • Fremont Union High School District Educator of the Year: Sushma Bana, Monta Vista
  • De Anza College Educator of the Year: Brandon Gainer, Communication Studies
  • Santa Clara County Fire Employee of the Year: Fire Captain Jim La Fuente
  • Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Employee of the Year: Deputy Kraig Kitong