The Philomath Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual Samaritan Awards celebrated the community’s finest Friday evening at the Philomath Scout Lodge, including the First Citizen awards presented across four categories for outstanding dedication to service and leadership.
Five individuals were recognized with awards going to both Cameron McLennan and Milo Morrison for Future First Citizen, John Mayer for Junior First Citizen, Amy Wilkerson for First Citizen and Diane Crocker for Senior First Citizen.
Gallery: Samaritan Awards (Feb. 20, 2026)
A collection of images from the Philomath Area Chamber of Commerce’s Samaritan Awards at the Philomath Scout Lodge on Friday.
Wilkerson was nominated for First Citizen by Philomath Fire and Rescue, where she plays an important role in supporting the volunteer association by organizing meals for meetings. Her commitment to service extends well beyond the fire station — she assists the unhoused at the Corvallis Daytime Drop-In Center, supports foster families through Every Child’s Foster Parents Night Out, helps tenants at Harriet’s Housing and works with athletes with disabilities through the Special Olympics.
Two other nominations for First Citizen, Giana Bernardini and Brittany Kennedy, were recognized at the event.
Crocker, nominated by Niemann and Mayor Christopher McMorran, was recognized as Senior First Citizen for more than four decades of service to the Philomath community. During her teaching career at Philomath Middle School, she led band and drama programs and organized the school’s Veterans Day program for 37 years. She also directed youth drama camps and trips to Washington, D.C.
In retirement, Crocker has remained deeply active — serving as choir director at Peace Lutheran Church, playing a central role in the Philomath Sensational Senior Society and contributing to food security efforts including March on Hunger and Stamp Out Hunger. She was elected to the Philomath City Council in 2024.
Also nominated and recognized in the Senior First Citizen category were Harriet Hughes and Tom Wright.
Mayer’s connection to Philomath and his commitment to veterans spans nearly two decades. Nominated for Junior First Citizen by Eric Niemann, Mayer first made his mark with an Eagle Scout project in 2007 — leading construction of a veterans memorial at the Philomath Scout Lodge. The memorial has since honored more than 60 veterans, with Mayer continuing to maintain and enhance it, including a significant refurbishment this year.
A 2008 Philomath High graduate, Mayer enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2012 and served in the Middle East before joining the Oregon Army National Guard, where he was recently promoted to staff sergeant and named Noncommissioned Officer of the Year for Oregon. He is also a graduate of the U.S. Army Ranger School and a member of Marys River American Legion Post 100.
McLennan and Morrison shared the honor of Future First Citizen.
McLennan, nominated by the Benton County 4-H Team, has spent 10 years with 4-H serving in roles ranging from junior leader to county ambassador. He has led community service projects, including a Mount Union Cemetery cleanup, and helped coordinate the March on Hunger food drive. At Philomath High School, McLennan has served as student body vice president and a swim team captain.
Morrison, nominated by Teresa Nielson, was recognized for his volunteer work and community-minded spirit. Among his many contributions, Morrison organized a 4-H project in which 25 youth assembled picnic tables for local parks. He has volunteered with Safety Town, coordinated donations for the Corvallis Light the World event and helped assemble food and hygiene kits for various causes.
Both Future First Citizen winners were also the recipients of $500 scholarships. This year’s Terry Selby Memorial Scholarship went to Morrison and the Levi Tunison Memorial Scholarship to McLennan.
Two other Future First Citizen nominees were also recognized — Shelby Gilstrap and Abigail Harwood.
The Large Business of the Year award went to Citizens Bank and the Nonprofit of the Year was awarded to Maxtivity Creative Space for Community Arts.
The Small Business of the Year honor went to ShaneCo Timber. Others recognized as nominees in the category were Fitness Over 50, La Rockita and Sunbow Organic Produce.
Individual Samaritan Award recipients were Dale Carter (Philomath Community Services), Ryan Cheeke (Benton County 4-H), Cody Eddy (Philomath Fire and Rescue), Susan Halliday (Philomath Rotary Club), Steve Harder (Philomath Youth Activities Club), Sandi Hering (Benton County 4-H), Stephanie Leman (Philomath Frolic and Rodeo), PK McCoy (Strengthening Rural Families), Amanda Polley (city of Philomath), Ailiah Schafer (Philomath Elementary), Aileen Schrock (Philomath PTO), Jane Sherwood (Philomath Sensational Senior Society), Crystal Weber (Philomath Lions Club) and Patti Wonderly (Jackson Street Youth Services).
Cheeke was honored as the chamber’s Volunteer of the Year, which came with a $100 donation to the Philomath Elementary School yearbook fund.