Press Release: 2026 Award of Excellence & Community Award Winners

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Sunnyvale




*Press Release: September 10, 2026*






*Release #09 01 26

Contact:*
Jennifer Garnett, Chief PIO
408-718-2601
jgarnett@sunnyvale.ca.gov

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2026 AWARD OF EXCELLENCE & COMMUNITY AWARD WINNERS

*"Recipients to be honored at Sept. 19 State of the City celebration"*


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SUNNYVALE, Calif. – The City of Sunnyvale has announced the winners of the annual Community Awards program. The Mayor and Councilmembers will honor them at the City’s State of the City celebration on Saturday, Sept. 19. This year’s awardees are:


* Contribution to the Arts – Irma Viviana Leija-Sysak (Sunnyvale Art Club)
* High School Student of the Year – Madeline Chang (Lynbrook High School)
* Businessperson of the Year – Selamawit Gessese and Eskinder Kiros (Pure Barre Sunnyvale)
* Educator of the Year – Edward Lanning (King’s Academy)
* Volunteer of the Year – Vanessa Forney and Dana King (Bay Area Cats)
* Distinguished Resident of the Year – Paulina Zapata (Community volunteer)

The City accepts award nominations from the community year-round. A panel of former Community Award recipients and current board and commission members selects the winners.

Mayor Larry Klein will also present his selections for the Mayor’s Awards of Excellence to:


* Award of Excellence (Individual) – Mary Bradley
* Award of Excellence (Group) – Sunnyvale Education Foundation

“Sunnyvale is fortunate to have many people who invest their time and energy making a difference in our community,” said Mayor Larry Klein. “Our award winners are truly inspiring, and we’re delighted to celebrate and recognize them for their many unique contributions.”

Sunnyvale’s State of the City celebration will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 19 at City Hall (456 W. Olive Ave.). The Mayor will deliver his State of the City address at approximately 9:30 a.m. Recognition presentations will follow. All community members are invited to attend this free event. Visit "Sunnyvale.ca.gov" for event details [ https://www.sunnyvale.ca.gov/recreation-and-community/special-events/state-of-the-city ] and Community Award information [ https://www.sunnyvale.ca.gov/your-government/about/about-sunnyvale/community-awards ].


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"*About the City of Sunnyvale* - Sunnyvale is the heart of Silicon Valley. With a population of 161,884, Sunnyvale is the sixth-largest city in the Bay Area. We’re a center of technology and innovation, but also a town of quiet family neighborhoods, strong schools and a diverse community of people. The city has 27 parks; facilities for golf, tennis and swimming; a library; and an arts complex. Sunnyvale’s downtown is home to a variety of local eateries and merchants, and hosts frequent art festivals, concerts and a year-round farmers’ market. Sunnyvale has over 11,000 businesses that provide a rich mixture of goods and services, including many icons in tech, manufacturing, retail and research and development."






*Contact Us*

Communications
Email Communications <communications@sunnyvale.ca.gov>
408-730-7535
Sunnyvale.ca.gov [ https://Sunnyvale.ca.gov ]








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