2024 Juniper Award Recipients

Founder, Creative Director Lake Tahoe Dance Collective ​

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Dance is a language that I feel I may have known at birth. Seeing a ballet for the first time was a sensation that I had discovered the most incredible thing in the world and absolutely had to be a part of it. Ours in an art form handed down through generations, guiding artistry through the language of an incredibly difficult technique that demands much of the dancer. I now curate a supported space for young people to discover the wonders of dance and its connections to its lineage, building a bridge of access between the finest dancers in the country and our community. 

Publisher

 

Hailing from a U.S. military family and a graduate of the University of Florida, Mayumi Peacock has lived in several corners of the country and globe, yet Tahoe/Truckee has been her home for more than two decades. She is founder and publisher of Moonshine Ink, the region’s award-winning independent newspaper, which continues to be created by, for, and of the community. Other passions include horses, books, yoga, humane food, and the little Peacock born in 2023.

Program Manager STEPP and Early Learning Program​

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As Early Learning Program Coordinator for the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District, Cindy Maciel brings over 25 years of experience in Early Childhood Education and Youth Development. Since joining the district in 1998, Cindy has overseen the Sierra Teen Education and Parenting Program (STEPP) and all early learning initiatives within the district. She holds a BA in Psychology from Ashford University and has collaborated extensively with community partners, including a twenty four-year partnership with Placer Community Action Council's KidZKount and Early Head Start programs. Through our community partnerships she has been able to support families enrolled in STEPP, Truckee Preschool, and the Kings Beach Family Room. Cindy is passionate about ensuring all children and parents, especially our student parents, have access to support and high-quality early learning experiences they need to thrive.

Woodworker, Father, Husband, Volunteer​

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I am the father of two kids, Bella and Ethan, and have been married to my lovely wife, Crescent, for 30 years.  My wife and I have lived in Truckee for 30+ years, and for 25 of those years, I was a general contractor building new homes in the Truckee Tahoe area.  In 2011, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and over the next few years, after realizing I could no longer build houses, I spent quite a bit of time trying to figure out what I was going to do with my new life.  I always remembered when I was young my mother telling me that if I was feeling down I should go volunteer my time for people less fortunate than me to remind me of how good things truly were for me.  As I had been a Truckee Rotarian for 20+ years at that time, I knew that whatever I was going to do, it would involve giving back to my community.  And then one day I wandered into the Truckee Roundhouse. I immediately found a home for my woodworking creativity and skill set. Over time, with the help of Karyn Stanley, we were able to establish a curriculum whereby I am able to bring Truckee youth into the Roundhouse wood shop and teach them some of my wood working skills. I feel that the trades in Truckee, California, and even the nation have been on the decline for many years, and giving kids the opportunity to work in a wood or metal shop opens their eyes to the many possibilities in front of them after high school or college.  I am honored to have been recognized by the Jeff Hamilton legacy fund and look forward to the challenge of living up to the standards of the Hamilton family and continuing to pass on my skills and knowledge to further generations.

Lead Staff Nurse & Educator. MS, RN, OCN, CRNI​

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A New York native, Arlette received her nursing degree from the University of Rochester, and has worked in Oncology since 2007. In 2012, she earned a master’s degree in Nursing Science and Healthcare Leadership from UC Davis. She is an Oncology Certified Nurse as well as a Certified Registered Nurse in Infusion.  Arlette has been living in Truckee for the past 20 years and has been working at the Tahoe Forest Cancer Center since 2011.   Prior to nursing, Arlette worked as a wildlife biologist for the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.  Her undergraduate thesis work and first jobs after college were studying Loggerhead Sea Turtles.  Now firmly ensconced in Truckee, Arlette is an avid runner, hiker and skier.

Stifel U.S. Freeski Team, Slopestyle. 

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Skiing has taught me so many important lessons and given me endless opportunities. The sport pushes me to be a better person, athlete, competitor, and skier. Most importantly my love for skiing gives me freedom to shape who I am and will be forever grateful.

HydroFlask U.S. Snowboard Team, Slopestyle.

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For as long as I could remember, being in the mountains has been a beautiful escape from the often hectic world around me. When I found snowboarding, the love and passion felt effortless. The list of reasons I love snowboarding is endless, from the small things like chairlift rides with friends and fresh corduroy on a bluebird morning to all the life lessons and opportunities that snowboarding has given me. As for the future, it would be neat to compete at the Olympics, XGames, Laax Open and maybe even win some, but above all, my goal is to love snowboarding just as much as the day I started and snowboard until the day that I die!

Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team.

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Being the daughter of a ski patrol and a school teacher, I have always felt very connected to the Tahoe community. I have felt the support from all around ever since I was young to follow my dreams of being a ski racer. I am so grateful for everyone who has helped me get to where I am now, and I am so proud to represent a community like Tahoe.

Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team.

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I love the people that I get to ski with and be on a team with. They make skiing fun for me everyday and I’m grateful to be part of a group that’s bigger than myself. I want to be the best skier, teammate, and person I can be and just do everything I can to contribute to US skiing being the best in the world.