Chenoweth Award Revived for 2026, Trinidad Foundation and Las Animas Chamber Announce

Las Animas, The Trinidad Community Foundation and the Las Animas County Chamber of Commerce announced the official return of the Chenoweth Award, resurrecting a local honor that organizers say will spotlight volunteers, nonprofit leaders and civic servants across Trinidad and Las Animas County. The groups described the prize as “a cornerstone community tradition honoring exceptional community service.”

Nominations for the revived Chenoweth Award opened on February 17, 2026, and organizers listed direct contact routes for submissions: the Facebook page Trinidad Chenoweth Award, phone (719) 846-9285 and email TrinidadChenowethAward@gmail.com. The announcement said the organizations “will seek nominations for the award starting February 17, 2026,” and urged community members to use those channels for more information.

Organizers scheduled the awards presentation for April 11, 2026, saying “The Chenoweth Award will be presented at an awards celebration on April 11, 2026.” The announcement adds that “Information on the event will be announced soon,” leaving venue, start time and ticketing status unconfirmed at this time.

The Chenoweth Award traces to 1979 and honors the legacy of the Honorable John Edgar Chenoweth (1897–1986). The announcement notes Chenoweth was a Trinidad native who “served eleven terms in the U.S. House of Representatives and held roles as a Las Animas County judge and assistant district attorney.” Organizers framed the revival as recognition of ongoing local service, writing that “After a period of absence, this distinguished award is being revived in 2026 to celebrate individuals who have shown an outstanding commitment to honoring and serving the Trinidad and Las Animas County community.”

Several operational details remain unspecified in the announcement. The groups did not publish a nomination deadline, eligibility criteria, an online nomination form or the identity of any selection committee; the release also does not list prior winners or the last year the award was presented before the “period of absence.” Those gaps mean nominators should use the listed phone, email or Facebook page to confirm submission requirements and any closing date.

Reviving the Chenoweth Award, the organizers said, “honors the extraordinary people who make Trinidad and Las Animas County a better place to live and work.” Community members with nominations or questions can reach the program on Facebook at Trinidad Chenoweth Award, by calling (719) 846-9285 or by emailing TrinidadChenowethAward@gmail.com.