The event’s top award is the Grand Pineapple Award given to Teressa Reep, a Regent with the Nathaniel Massie Chapter of the Daughters of the America Revolution and chairperson for the Ross County Committee for America 250. The nomination reads: “This person is being honored as this year’s Grand Pineapple Award recipient for their extraordinary leadership, collaboration, and unwavering commitment. Over the past year, this individual has played a pivotal role in bringing a commemorative initiative to life. Through thoughtful planning and a clear vision, they have helped unite the community around this celebration. Their efforts to build meaningful partnerships, secure statewide recognition, and inspire organizations to participate have elevated the impact of this initiative far beyond expectations.

The Volunteer of the Year recipient was a team of volunteers who maintain the Triangle Trail. Members recognized included Rick Mauger, Dave Pigott, Bruce Willis, Mike Berry, Moses Schwartz with Sandra and Jeff Clark. An excerpt from the nomination reads: “These individuals, along with a huge support group, have made dreams become reality. Spearheaded by these dedicated people, year round through the weather, they maintain this section for recreation.  These volunteers don’t give of their time and energy for recognition. Instead, they willingly volunteer for the satisfaction of knowing they are maintaining a place where other can relax and enjoy the beauty of our area.”

The Front-Line Associate of the Year is Sophia Blesedell with the Outdoor Drama Tecumseh! The nomination explained “They brought laughter and joy the entire team each day, did their job at very high levels, and did it with happiness, curiosity, elegance, and thoughtfulness. This nominee received no less than a dozen praising emails from patrons. One of them stated “We arrived late and this person quickly and easily for us into the next tour. We didn’t miss anything despite being late. Not only that, but they shared information about two other experiences available. We did both and wound up having a wonderful fun evening with our kids after a challenging day. They could have easily said ‘Sorry, your tour left 40 minutes ago’. Instead, they made our tough day, the highlight of our trip!”

The Behind-the-Scenes Associate of the Year is Marcia Holton with The Scioto Society. The nomination read: “This nominee has served in many different capacities with the organization through the years. They have excelled every step of the way. Doing their job with careful seriousness that working with money every day requires, they also do it with laughter and personality. While much of the work of this nominee is done behind the scenes, they do come to the front lines from time to time to fill in for someone who is out or just to assist on a particularly busy night. Tehe lead by example when in these situations.”

The Manager of the Year is Dwayne Seeling with Water’s Edge Canoe Livery, Chillicothe Brews Cruze and coming soon First Capital Hologram Zoo. The nomination reads: “Some visitors like quiet, outdoor experiences. Other like to be around people for fun group experiences. Tourists like to have lots of options and this nominee does their best to give you just the thing you are looking for when visiting. This nominee owner/manager welcomes guests with great south Ohio hospitality and offer visitors the opportunity to experience some of the most beautiful scenery in the county. Additionally, the group experience provides a unique opportunity to explore downtown Chillicothe either through scheduled tours, private events, or even a themed tour. When you participate, they offer guests personal anecdotes and insights to downtown.”