For the 51 years, the Cypress College Americana Awards have presented men and women of distinction with honors for their service to their communities while raising millions of dollars for scholarships and other educational needs.
On March 21, 2026, Cypress College Foundation held this year’s Americana Awards Gala. This event began in 1976 after the American Bicentennial.
(L-R) Dr. Scott Thayer, Cypress College President, Debbie Kent, Person of the Year from the city of Los Alamitos, Mayor Tanya Doby and Curtis Scheetz, Cypress College Foundation. Debbie Kent is Secretary (and docent) of the Los Alamitos Museum Board, she’s served on the Youth Center Board and is involved in other civic endeavors in Los Al.
Fifty-one years later, America is about to celebrate its 250th Anniversary and Cypress College continues a tradition that recognizes public service while raising funds to inspire the next generation.
(L-R) Dr. Scott Thayer, Cypress College President; Mayor Pro-tem Debbie Baker, Jan Jansen, who was honored as Person of the Year from the city of La Palma and Curtis Scheetz, Cypress College Foundation. Jan Jensen has served on the Traffic and Safety Commission for six years and is involved in a number of volunteer activities including the Kiwanis Club of La Palma, Los Coyotes Site Council and others.
Each year, Cypress College Foundation invites community members from eight cities to nominate candidates for Citizen of the Year. Candidates are nominated based on criteria such as community engagement, community impact and longevity in the community.
Here are the three winners from the communities served in our coverage area.