Stars of Lake County Award winners announced

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The latest round of Stars of Lake County winners was announced at the awards ceremony on Saturday evening at the Soper Reese Theater.

The sold out event celebrated 66 nominees from around Lake County.

U.S. Congressman Mike Thompson who has been a participant in Stars since its inception presented his personal certificate to every recipient.

The selection committee met for four hours on Feb. 1 after being given less than a week to read all 66 nominations. Their secret ballots were cast as they completed a discussion on each of the 21 categories.

Selection committee members this year were Robert Boccabella, Linda Diehl-Darms, Brock Falkenberg, Susan Feiler, Greg Folsom, Trena Pauly, Beth Rudiger, Yvette Sloan, John Tomkins, Sandy Tucker and Hedy Montoya.

The full list of winner is below.




Marla Ruzicka Humanitarian Award: Janet Taylor, Lakeport

Senior of the Year: Gene Paleno, Upper Lake

Volunteer of the Year: Ginny Cline, Lakeport

Female Student of the Year: Grace Davidson, Kelseyville

Male Student of the Year: Raul Gomez, Clearlake

Youth Advocate, Volunteer: Kristin Amparo, Upper Lake

Youth Advocate, Professional: Stephanie Figueroa, Clearlake

Organization – Nonprofit: Adventist Health Clear Lake

Organization – Volunteer: Citizens Caring 4 Clearlake

Environmental Award: Kathleen Blair, Cobb

New Business Award: Dusty D Work Wear, Lakeport

Small Business Award : Fresh and Bangin’ Eatery, Lucerne

Large Business Award : Lake County Tribal Health Consortium, Lakeport

Best Idea of the Year: 100+ Women Strong of Lake County

Local Hero Award: Vietnam Veterans, Chapter 951

Joshua Blair Memorial Amateur Arts Award: Tim and Laura Barnes, Lakeport

Arts Award Professional: Sage Abella, Middletown

Woman of the Year: Janeane Bogner, Clearlake Oaks

Man of the Year: Gary Deas, Lakeport

Lifetime Achievement: Bill Kearney, Kelseyville

Spirit of Lake County: Soroptimist International of Clear Lake