2024 Community Awardee Recipients
Stephen Walpole Jr. Man of the Year
C
hief Steve Walpole has lived in Scotts Valley all of his life. Growing up in Scotts Valley his parents instilled the importance of volunteering and civic engagement in our local community.
As an adult, he was fortunate enough to marry his like-minded wife, Melissa, who also believed in helping others. Together they spent countless hours volunteering at their local church and then later, as new parents, they supported the various Scotts Valley youth sports leagues in town.
In 2014 Chief Walpole, who was employed in law enforcement in Santa Clara County, received the calling to come to work for his hometown here at the Scotts Valley Police Department. During his time as Police Chief, he has had to respond to city financial crises, COVID-19, CZU Fire Evacuations, and even a tornado.
As a Police Chief, husband, and father of two children he still found time to volunteer for local organizations that are making a difference. As member of the Scotts Valley Exchange Club, he helps put on the Blue & Gold Dinner, the Tree Lighting Festival, and the 4th of July Parade.
He also is a big supporter of the Northern California Special Olympics and has participated in the Tip-A-Cop, Polar Plunge, and Torch Run fundraisers. In 2021 he received the Special Olympics Award of Excellence for his work with the organization.
Chief Walpole is proud to be a Scotts Valley resident and truly humbled to receive the Man of the Year Award in 2025.
Sharon Willey
Woman of the Year
Sharon is the current President of the SVHS Parent Club and has worked tirelessly in this
role to support our students and teachers. She is currently in charge of planning the 25th Anniversary for SVHS.
Some of her endeavors include: teacher appreciation luncheons, managing websites, fundraisers, supporting Measure O, and coordinating the Senior student banners on Scotts Valley Drive. In addition, she was instrumental in bringing back the Haunted House at the SVHS, as well as implementing safe and sober grad night.
Sharon is also the mother of this year’s Youth of the Year, Alexandra Morairty.
Donna Lind
Chamber Ambassador of the Year
Donna Lind celebrates 57 Years working for the City of Scotts Valley this August. She became the first female Scotts Valley Police Officer and the first female Police Sergeant.
As Donna planned her retirement as a Scotts Valley Police Sergeant, she joined the Scotts Valley Chamber Ambassadors in 2006.
Donna is President of the Fallen Officer Foundation and serves with her Church Council. She was serving as a Scotts Valley Police Reserve
Officer when she was first elected to the Scotts Valley City Council in 2008.
During her ongoing tenure serving on Scotts Valley City Council, she has served three terms as mayor. Donna is very active in the community assisting with all Chamber events including ribbon cuttings, grand openings, the business walk, and more.
Donna assists in a variety of roles for the Chamber Annual Art, Wine & Beer Festival and Cops ‘N Rodders. She has strong relationships with local businesses and enjoys welcoming new businesses to the community.
As the longest serving Chamber Ambassador, Donna has enjoyed her years working with fellow Ambassadors who she describes as family!
Dayna Nedney Educator of the Year
Dayna Nedney has served as a teacher in the Humanities department at SVHS for 23 years and started her career student teaching at SVHS.
“Community Awards” page 12
Friday May 9
5-10 pm
Thursday June 19
5:30-7 pm – Grand Re-opening & Red Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Earthwise Pet Supply
Thursday July 17
5:30-7 pm – Grand Re-opening & Red Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Lightspeed
Saturday August 16
Sunday August 17
10 am-6 pm(Sat) & 5
(Sun) — Scotts Valley Art Wine & Beer Festival Skypark 361 Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley
Saturday September 20
Time TBA — Stringed Instrument Roadshow
Scotts Valley Chamber News
“Community Awards” from page 11
SVHS Hope Squad Organization of the Year
She has inspired hundreds of students to excel and serve as leaders. Dayna is a dynamic teacher who brings an engaging approach to involve students in active learning. She teaches IB courses and helps the students sharpen their critical thinking skills as well as their written and verbal communication.
Dayna also teaches independent study courses in history.
Alexandra Morairty Youth of the Year
Alexandra serves as the current ASB President at SVHS, where she leads a team of over thirty student government members.
She is an incredibly involved student, involved in multiple activities, including: the SVHS 25th Anniversary planning team, Homecoming parade, the athletics fair at SOAR days, she’s the Director of SVHS Community Service, leading the 2023 blood drive, as well as the 23-24 winter coat blanket drive.
In addition, Alex has served a Director of Outreach at SVHS, helping with events such as Culture Week and the SVHS Haunted House.
Alexandra is also the daughter of this year’s Woman of the Year, Sharon Willey.
The SVHS Hope Squad is a student led group that started 3 years ago, lead by Ella Webb and Alexa Ruiz.
It is a suicide prevention and mental health focus group for students to reach out to their peers and seek guidance and access adult support.
This has been a game changer at the school and has helped save students’ lives.
Kissed by an Angel Wines Business of the Year
Over the years, the owners of Kissed by an Angel, Larry and Lisa Olivio, have
supported countless worthy causes in our community, including supporting our local school fundraisers, the Fallen Officer Foundation, and Chamber events.
Larry is a third-generation winemaker, with over thirty years of experience making wine with his Grandfather and Father.
The business is named in honor of Larry and Lisa’s daughter, Amanda, who passed away at the age of 22. Since it’s inception, Kissed by an Angel wines has raised over $100k for the Make A Wish Foundation in her honor.
This business was sold this year and the “torch has been passed” to Amy and
Celebrating 44 Years of Managing & Selling Homes throughout Santa Cruz County — 1981 – 2025
$3300/mo Peaceful 2BR/1BA Home at 360 Upper Road in Boulder Creek. Open floor plan. Remodeled bathroom. Fenced yard. Deck. Laundry hookups. 1 dog may be considered. ............................................................ AVAIL NOW
$2850/mo 3BR/1BA Sunny Updated Cottage close to downtown Boulder Creek on Redwood Avenue. Like-new luxury vinyl flooring; no carpet. No pets. No laundry on site. Off-street parking. .................................. AVAIL mid-April
$2125/mo 1BR/1BA Condo at 152 King’s Highway at the Boulder Creek Country Club. Kitchen includes stove, dishwasher, refrigerator and ample cabinetry. Gas FP 1 pet okay. 1-car detached garage. Patio. AVAIL mid-April
$1800/mo Peaceful end-unit Studio Apartment at 14650 Two Bar Road #6 in Boulder Creek. Good lighting. No pets. No laundry. Small creekside patio. 30 minutes to the beach; 45 minutes to Silicon Valley. AVAIL NOW
STUDIO COTTAGES in the heart of Ben Lomond available at 9600 Highway 9. Prices vary. 1 cat considered. No dogs. No laundry on site. AVAIL NOW
Phil Watson, who will carry on the legacy started by Lisa and Larry.
SVHS Hope Squad • Organization of the Year
Dayna Nedney
North Coast Orthodontics
Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
April 24 | 5:30 – 7:00 pm | 223 Mount Hermon Road, Suite A,
North Coast Orthodontics is thrilled to invite you to the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Celebration of their new location in Scotts Valley!
Join Dr. Brian Schabel, Dr. Vivian Chan, and their dedicated team celebrating this exciting milestone.
This marks the expansion of North Coast Orthodontics into their second location in Santa Cruz County location, reinforcing their commitment to providing cutting-edge
orthodontic care in a welcoming, state-ofthe-art environment.
At their new facility, patients will experience exceptional treatment, advanced
New Member Spotlight
White Rabbit Social Club, an event company founded by Cheyanne Donald, is dedicated to celebrating small businesses, emerging artists, and new makers.
The company creates fun, lighthearted, and exciting spaces for people of all ages by curating events that bring together the community.
What began as a simple idea to sell her own art has grown into a successful venture after the first Hallcrest Holiday Market.
From that moment, Cheyanne became deeply passionate about creating spaces where people can thrive and connect.
The essence of White Rabbit Social
Scotts Valley
technology, and a modern, comfortable setting.
They are excited to welcome the community, local businesses, and families to this special event. Come celebrate, meet their team, and get a firsthand look at their new home in Scotts Valley.
North Coast Orthodontics
Where Innovation Meets Exceptional Care
NorthCoastOrtho.com
White Rabbit Social Club
Club is all about embracing chaos, pivoting when needed, and bringing people together to create joyful experiences.
For newcomers to vending, these events are an ideal starting point. Cheyanne offers guidance every step of the way, ensuring that new vendors feel confident and well-prepared.
Experienced sellers can expect comprehensive information, as Cheyanne makes
it her mission to leave no stone unturned when it comes to running a vendorfriendly space.
At the heart of White Rabbit Social Club is communication, understanding how vendors want to be treated, and being flexible enough to adapt to changes.
The company hosts both intimate events, like the Jewel Box Jewelry Market and the Perfect Fit Clothing Market, as well
as larger gatherings, such as Here Comes the Sun in June and the Hallcrest Holiday Market in December.
In addition to her business, Cheyanne is also the artist chair for the Scotts Valley Chamber, coordinating vendors for the annual Scotts Valley Art Wine & Beer Festival.
Through these events, Cheyanne supports local creatives and small businesses, believing that success comes from lifting up those around you.
•••
To learn more about White Rabbit Social Club, visit their website at WeAreTheWhiteRabbit.com or connect via Facebook and Instagram.
Dr. Vivian Chan
Dr. Brian Schabel
Tickets on Sale for Scotts Valley High’s 25th Anniversary Gala
Saturday, April 26 | 6-10 p.m. | Inn at Pasatiempo
Did you know the Scotts Valley High School mascot could have been the Skunks?
The Tiger Beetles and the 17ers were also contenders but the Falcons finally prevailed. Please join us on Saturday, April 26th for the SVHS 25th Anniversary Gala to celebrate the past, present and future of Scotts Valley High School from 6 to 10 pm at the Inn at Pasatiempo.
Gala tickets are now available at tinyurl. com/svhsgala. Tickets are $85 each and include appetizers with a no-host cocktail hour, buffet dinner, dessert, auction and dancing as well as a formal program. We’ll hear from some of the visionary parents and community leaders who worked so hard to ensure our city had its own high school as well as our remarkable alumni, dedicated teachers/staff and elected officials. Sponsorships which include gala tickets are also available at tinyurl.com/svhsgala.
As part of the SVHS 25th Anniversary Gala, we are also raising funds for current and future Falcons in the areas of wellness programs, grants for students with financial need for senior activities, student leadership conferences, college scholarships and campus beautification projects.
Congratulations to Haven Play Lounge on Their Official Ribbon Cutting in February!
Our goal is to raise $25,000 for the SVHS 25th Anniversary Fund through a silent and live auction as well as sponsorships.
More information about the SVHS 25th Anniversary Gala as well as SVHS history is available at svhs25th.com.
For questions, please contact us at svhs25thanniversary@gmail.com. Go Falcons!
The gala is planned by the SVHS 25th Anniversary Planning Team which is composed of representatives from Scotts Valley Unified School District; Scotts Valley High School including students, teachers and administrators; Falcon Club; and SVHS Parent Club.
