20 stories of Oregonians who inspired us in 2025
From a 16-year-old chess grandmaster to a bus driver who thwarted a hijacking, these Oregonians made remarkable impacts in their communities this year.
Among the accomplishments of elementary and high school students, business owners, professional athletes and artists, The Oregonian/OregonLive journalists had no shortage of inspirational stories to tell in 2025. This year, we celebrated remarkable Oregonians such as Rosie Lanenga, Oregon’s Kid Governor, who championed climate change awareness, and Manny Chavez, who courageously addressed the impact of immigration enforcement on his community. We also highlighted the philanthropic efforts of athletes such as Blake Wesley, who exemplified compassion through his outreach, and artists like Aaron Nigel Smith, who brought history to life with his folk opera. These stories reflect the resilience and creativity that define Oregon, reminding us all of the potential for positive change in our communities. Here are some of the Oregonians who inspired us to be kinder, braver, determined and selfless in 2025. Woman Grandmaster Zoey Tang at the Portland Chess Club.Samantha Swindler/ The OregonianZoey TangAt just 16 years old, Zoey Tang made history as Oregon’s first woman grandmaster in chess, a prestigious title awarded by the Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE). During her junior year at Westview High School in Beaverton, Tang’s achievement was remarkable in a field where only about 500 players worldwide hold the woman grandmaster title, out of approximately 350,000 active FIDE-rated players, Samantha Swindler reported in January. Tang, who held a rating of 2306 and was a FIDE Master in January, aims to achieve the open grandmaster title within the next four years. She is also the Oregon state champion, competing successfully against players of all genders and ages. Beyond her competitive success, Tang founded Puddletown Chess, a nonprofit aimed at increasing participation among young players, particularly women and those from underrepresented backgrounds. Her journey reflects a commitment to not only excel in chess but also to foster a more inclusive community in the game.2025 Kid Governor Rosie Lanenga poses for a photo at the Oregon Capitol on Thursday, January 16, 2025, in Salem.Vickie Connor/The OregonianRosie LanengaOregon’s 2025 Kid Governor, Rosie Lanenga, made climate change her top priority this year when she stepped into her role. Elected by her peers from across the state as a fifth-grader last school year, the student from Portland’s Riverdale Grade School was sworn in at the Oregon State Capitol alongside her cabinet members in January, Samantha Swindler reported. Lanenga emphasized the importance of addressing climate change, stating, “I want Oregon to stay as beautiful as it is right now, and climate change is affecting that.”As part of her campaign, Lanenga introduced her A.C.T. plan, which encourages individuals to take action at home, hold discussions about reducing carbon footprints and share knowledge with others. With aspirations of becoming a lawyer and a passion for politics, Lanenga engaged with state leaders throughout her yearlong term. Her commitment to environmental advocacy highlights the potential of young leaders to influence positive change in their communities.Mike Perrault, a TriMet bus driver, faced an armed man on his bus in January of this year.SubmittedMike PerraultTriMet bus driver Mike Perrault displayed extraordinary bravery during a harrowing 12-minute hijacking of his Line 4 bus in Portland on Jan. 29. With nearly a decade of experience, Perrault faced an armed man who forced him to drive through the streets of Old Town. Despite the life-threatening situation, he remained calm and focused on de-escalating the tension, assuring the hijacker that he would be safe on the bus.“I told him that while he was on my bus, he’d be safe. He could give me the gun or he could put it down, but while he was on the bus, I wouldn’t let anything happen to him,” Perrault told reporter Zane Sparling.Perrault successfully persuaded the gunman to surrender his weapon, allowing Perrault to toss it out the window and escape the bus unharmed. Perrault’s quick thinking and composure under pressure garnered widespread praise, highlighting the resilience and dedication of public transit workers in the face of danger. Anthony and Marlie Love on their trip to Coos Bay. Photo courtesy of Traveling While Black.Traveling While BlackAnthony and Marlie LoveAnthony and Marlie Love, a Seattle-based couple originally from Missouri, are making waves in the travel community as advocates for Black travelers in the Pacific Northwest. Through their YouTube channel, “Traveling While Black,” they provide essential resources and insights, including a unique Black comfortability rating system for various destinations. Earlier this year, the Loves appeared on the Peak Northwest podcast in February to discuss their Oregon coast trip, where they highlighted local Black history and the importance of safe travel experiences. Although they are from Washington, their mission extends beyond state lines, aiming to foster inclusivity and understanding in travel. With over 170 episodes under their belt, the Loves are inspiring a new generation of travelers to explore the region while acknowledging its historical context and promoting a welcoming environment for all.Jenn LockwoodJenn Lockwood, training supervisor at the Mt. Hood Meadows Learning Center, is the face of Mt. Hood Meadows’ She Shreds program, which empowers women in the skiing and snowboarding communities. Featured on a March episode of Peak Northwest, Lockwood discussed how the program offers both camps and clinics designed to create a supportive environment for women to learn and develop their snowsport skills together.The She Shreds initiative encourages participants to leave their egos behind, fostering a sense of camaraderie and community among skiers and snowboarders. Many women who join the program go on to form lasting connections, continuing to shred together long after the clinics conclude. Lockwood’s insights highlight the transformative power of community and empowerment in sports, making She Shreds a vital resource for aspiring female skiers and snowboarders.Sprague High's constitution team team of two, Matthew Meyers, in red sweater, and Colin Williams, in black shirt, hold hands with each other and members of the Lincoln High School constitution team while they wait to find out if both teams made it into the final rounds of the national civics education competition We the People.Courtesy of the Lincoln High constitution teamMatthew Meyers and Colin WilliamsA two-student civics team from Salem’s Sprague High School, with no history of national wins and far fewer resources than their competitors, delivered one of Oregon’s most improbable academic victories this year, Julia Silverman reported in April. Seniors Matthew Meyers and Colin Williams stunned judges and peers alike at the national We the People Constitution competition, mastering the same exhaustive constitutional law, history and casework typically divided among teams of 20 to 30 students. Working largely on their own — supported by their social studies teacher and fueled by marathon research sessions — the pair advanced from regionals to state, then shocked the field by reaching the national finals. They initially emerged as sole national champions before a scoring correction elevated Portland’s powerhouse Lincoln High School into a shared title. The result: an unexpected, “can’t-make-this-up” co-championship that returned the trophy to Oregon.In Venezuela, Nava Ulacio planned to be a civil engineer. Moving to the United States allowed her the opportunity to pursue her music dreams.Allison Barr/The OregonianSofia Nava UlacioSofia Nava Ulacio, a 21-year-old Venezuelan immigrant, graduated from Portland Community College with a perfect 4.0 GPA and a full scholarship to Lewis & Clark College, Eddy Binford-Ross reported in June. In 2022, Nava Ulacio arrived in Oregon unable to speak English, having fled political unrest in Venezuela. To overcome language barriers, she immersed herself in school activities, using Google Translate for her coursework and joining the jazz band, theater and choir. At PCC, she excelled in her music studies, founded a choir club, and now teaches music at Backbeat Music Academy. Nava Ulacio leads the Sofi Nava Trio, performing Latin and contemporary music. She aims to inspire other female Latin musicians and views her music as a connection to her roots, honoring her family’s sacrifices and her cultural heritage.Jamie Breunig leads a one-woman community paramedic program in Clackamas County focused on providing medical care to people living outside.Beth NakamuraJamie BreunigAs Clackamas County’s sole community paramedic, Jamie Breunig delivers medical care, treating patients where they live, even if that means beside a tent or in a motel room. Since the county launched its community paramedic program in October, Breunig has provided medical care or case management to more than 110 unhoused residents, aiming to improve health outcomes while reducing costly 9-1-1 calls, ambulance transports and emergency room visits.Funded by the regional homeless services tax, the $200,000 program reflects a growing recognition that unsheltered people cannot be ignored and that emergency rooms are often the wrong place for basic care, reported Lillian Mongeau Hughes in June. A veteran paramedic and former foster youth, Breunig builds trust with patients who are often deeply distrustful of institutions, helping manage chronic illness, prevent medical crises and, at times, reconnect people to housing, family and hope.Instructors Anna Schneider and Karen Ceballos demonstrate moves for attendees to follow.Allison Barr/The OregonianQueer Baile leadersThroughout the year, the leaders of Queer Baile broke gender norms and fostered community through free Latin dance lessons. Founded by Lydia Greene in 2019, Queer Baile offers inclusive, nongendered classes that celebrate the joy of dance while creating a welcoming space for all. “The space feels way less intimidating than a lot of dance scenes can feel,” Karen Ceballos, a bachata instructor, told me in June.With a focus on cumbia and bachata, the group has seen attendance soar, transforming from a small gathering at a local bar to a vibrant community event at the White Owl Social Club. Volunteer instructors, including Sarah Arias and Kylie Davis, emphasize the importance of consent-based dancing, allowing anyone to lead or follow, regardless of gender.Oregon Representative Thủy Trần has created a new play, “Belonging: A Memoir,” based on the events of her life. Jamie Hale/The OregonianThủy TrầnIn August, state Rep. Thủy Trần shared her journey as a Vietnamese refugee in a one-night theatrical performance titled “Belonging: A Memoir,” which marked the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon. The show at the Winningstad Theatre recounted Trần’s escape from Vietnam at age 9 and her path to becoming an Oregon legislator. Co-created with actor Libby Cozza, the production featured a nearly all-Vietnamese cast and three actresses portraying Trần at different life stages. Funded by a $10,000 grant, the project aimed to benefit local organizations, including Portland Public Schools’ Vietnamese Dual Language program, Megan Robertson reported in July. Trần described the experience as a challenge to be vulnerable and authentic, showcasing her remarkable journey from refugee to state representative.Tim Cook, the president of Clackamas Community College, poses at Portland Community College's Sylvania campus on Aug. 1, 2025. He ran more than 1,400 miles around Oregon to raise money for students' basic needs.Allison Barr/The OregonianTim CookClackamas Community College President Tim Cook achieved an extraordinary feat by running 1,400 miles across the state, raising over $127,000 to support students facing basic needs. On this 52-day journey, Cook visited all 17 of Oregon’s community colleges while highlighting food insecurity and homelessness among students, wrote reporter Maddie Khaw in August.Running roughly a marathon each day and wearing through six pairs of shoes, Cook’s determination shone through. He said witnessing students living in cars and struggling to access food sparked the fundraising campaign to provide essential resources to help students stay in school. Cook’s journey not only raised over $177,000 for community college student basic needs but also drew attention to the urgent need for systemic solutions to support students in crisis across Oregon.Marcus Lattimore poses for a photo on the steps outside the Portland Playhouse, a performing arts theater in Northeast Portland. Sean Meagher/The OregonianMarcus LattimoreMarcus Lattimore, a former football star and standout running back at the University of South Carolina, has reinvented himself as a poet in Portland, finding new purpose and identity through spoken word. After a knee injury cut his football career short, Lattimore turned to poetry as a means of expression, exploring complex themes of race, culture and personal growth.Now performing at open mic nights and engaging with the local theater community, Lattimore is making waves in Portland’s arts scene. He has since published a book of verse and continues to expand his work through teaching and performance, marking a significant shift from the career that once defined him, Bill Oram reported in September.Shantae Johnson and Arthur Shavers announce the official reopening of Multnomah County's CROPS farm Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025.Austin De Dios / The OregonianShantae Johnson and Arthur ShaversShantae Johnson and Arthur Shavers, a Portland couple with deep roots in the Black farming community, have transformed Multnomah County’s CROPS Farm into a vital food hub for East Portland, wrote Austin De Dios in September. Their journey began with a small garden at their condo, which ignited their passion for horticulture and led them to leave their careers to pursue farming full-time. Officially reopened on Aug. 27 after five years of development, the 3-acre farm now distributes fresh produce to around 200 families weekly and offers training and support for Black, Indigenous and people of color who are farmers. With a commitment to community, Johnson and Shavers aim to expand their services and create a local food hub in Gresham, where they recently acquired a 5-acre property. Oregon Army National Guard Physician Assistant Maj. Tommy Vu looks up during his world record attempt for most chest-to-ground push-ups at West Coast Strength gym in West Salem on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025.U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris ClyneTommy VuMajor Tommy Vu of the Oregon Army National Guard set a remarkable new world record for the most chest-to-ground pushups in September, completing an impressive 1,721 repetitions in one hour at West Coast Strength gym in West Salem. Vu’s achievement, which surpasses the previous record of 1,530 pushups, marks his sixth world record, Sean Meagher reported.The 38-year-old Vu maintained a steady pace using a metronome set to 2.1 seconds per repetition during the grueling hour. Vu donated $1 to the Oregon Humane Society for every pushup completed, totaling $1,721, in memory of his in-law’s beloved dog. Looking ahead, Vu is already preparing to reclaim the chest-to-ground burpee record, previously held by him."York the Explorer‘s" book and music were composed by Grammy-nominated producer Aaron Nigel Smith.Image courtesy of The ReserAaron Nigel SmithAaron Nigel Smith, a Portland-based composer and producer, made waves through his folk opera, “York the Explorer.” The show premiered in late October as part of the inaugural York Fest, honoring the legacy of York, the only Black member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Smith was inspired to create the opera after a bust of York in Mount Tabor Park sparked renewed interest in his remarkable story, which has often been overlooked in history.“It’s just a story of hope, perseverance and courage,” Smith told me in September. “I think not only Black and brown people around the world, but all people can really benefit and learn and grow from knowing this story.”With a commitment to amplifying York’s contributions, Smith has dedicated two years to researching and composing this significant work. The opera not only aims to educate audiences about York’s historical impact but also serves as a platform for fostering community engagement and awareness of Black history in Oregon. Through his artistic vision, Smith is helping to ensure that York’s legacy is celebrated and remembered for generations to come.Mary E. Brunkow poses for a portrait after winning a Nobel Prize in medicine for part of her work on peripheral immune tolerance, in Seattle, Monday, Oct. 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)APMary E. BrunkowMary E. Brunkow, a molecular biologist and graduate of St. Mary’s Academy in Portland, in October was awarded the Nobel Prize in medicine for her groundbreaking research on peripheral immune tolerance. This prestigious award recognizes her significant contributions to understanding how the immune system distinguishes between harmful pathogens and the body’s own cells, a discovery crucial for developing treatments for autoimmune diseases such as Type 1 diabetes and lupus. Brunkow, now a senior program manager at the Institute for Systems Biology in Seattle, shares this honor with fellow researchers Fred Ramsdell and Dr. Shimon Sakaguchi. Their collaborative work has unveiled critical pathways that regulate immune responses. Emily Purry surfing in Costa Rice during a Surf Bikini Retreat. Photo courtesy of Emily Purry and Surf Bikini Retreat.Surf Bikini RetreatEmily PurryEmily Purry, a blind surfer from Oregon, entered the world of adaptive surfing at the age of 40, transforming her life and advocating for inclusivity in outdoor sports. After being encouraged to compete, Purry quickly made waves, earning a spot on Team USA Para Surfing just weeks after her first competition in Japan. Despite the challenges of navigating international travel alone and adapting to her sight loss from Stargardt’s macular degeneration, Purry’s resilience shines through. Surfing has not only restored her confidence but also helped her reconnect with her identity, she told Peak Northwest podcast listeners in November, when she discussed her participation in the ISA World Competition in Oceanside, California. Emmanuel ‘Manny’ Chavez, a teenager from Hillsboro, offers an emotional testimony on the toll of immigration enforcement at a city council meeting on November 4, 2025.The OregonianEmmanuel ChavezEmmanuel “Manny” Chavez, a 16-year-old from Hillsboro, captured national attention with his November testimony about the impact of immigration enforcement on his family and community. Speaking at a Hillsboro City Council meeting, Chavez expressed his fears for his parents’ safety amid escalating ICE detentions, stating, “I shouldn’t be scared. I should be focusing on school.” His heartfelt remarks resonated with many, leading to over 3.4 million views after a local newspaper shared the video on social media.Chavez, a junior at Hillsboro High School, was inspired to speak out after witnessing the detention of friends’ family members, wrote Gosia Wozniacka in November. In the wake of a sharp increase in ICE arrests in Oregon, he has taken action by launching an online fundraiser to support families affected by these enforcement actions, raising over $8,000 in just two days. Community members and leaders have praised his courage, with his soccer coach highlighting his admirable leadership and solidarity.The 15th annual Tatas for Toys raised over $60,000 for Doernbecher Children’s Hospital.Allison Barr/The OregonianTatas for Toys performersIn December, exotic dancers and burlesque performers in Portland became unlikely champions for children in need through the annual Tatas for Toys fundraiser. Over the past 14 years, the event has raised $183,000 worth of toys for Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, Samantha Swindler reported in December. The 15th annual event added another $60,000 to that total. Founded by Aaron Ross, the event evolved from a small toy drive at Dante’s nightclub into a theatrical extravaganza featuring dance, magic, and live auctions. The performers not only entertained but also actively engaged the audience, encouraging donations to support the hospital’s Child Life Therapy Program, which helps children cope with hospitalization through play and creative activities. Portland Trail Blazers guard Blake Wesley poses for photos during the NBA basketball team's media day in Portland, Ore., Monday, Sept. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Craig Mitchelldyer)APBlake WesleyBlake Wesley, a player for the Portland Trail Blazers, displayed his commitment to philanthropy during a recent Christmas Eve encounter with a homeless man named Dave. After finding his favorite sneaker store closed, Wesley spontaneously invited Dave to share a meal, treating him to gyros and donuts from Voodoo Doughnut, wrote Joe Freeman in December. Wesley said the encounter reflected his deep-rooted belief in helping those in need, a value instilled in him by his parents.Wesley is not only known for his generosity on the streets but also through his nonprofit, The Wesley Legacy Foundation. The foundation focuses on empowering youth and their families, offering free basketball camps and community support initiatives. Recently, it hosted the “Warm a Heart for the Holidays” event in South Bend, where hundreds of children received new coats. Faith and cultural connectionsThe Oregonian/OregonLive receives support from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust to bring readers stories on religion, faith and cultural connections in Oregon. The Oregonian/OregonLive is solely responsible for all content.
