25 stories of Oregonians who inspired us in 2024

From plane doors falling out of the sky to world records broken along the Columbia River, Oregonians have lots of stories to tell from 2024. This year also holds personal significance for me, as it marks the year I joined The Oregonian as a full-time reporter. Telling your inspiring stories has truly been the highlight of the job.

For my fellow reporters, interns and editors, this year brought many challenges and moments of unforgettable inspiration, as we witnessed individuals pushing boundaries, overcoming adversity and sparking positive change.

Here are just a few of the many Oregonians who inspired us this year. From artists and entrepreneurs to pilots and a few brave animals, each story is a testament to the strength, creativity and persistence that defines Oregon’s population.

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Emily Wiprud

After a section of fuselage suddenly blew off Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 on Jan. 5, 171 passengers were filled with fear and confusion after the plane rapidly depressurized. In the flight deck, First Officer Emily Wiprud quickly responded with professionalism. In an interview with CBS News, Wiprud recounted the moment she heard a loud bang and felt a whoosh of air that forced her body forward and ripped off her headset.

Following in-flight emergency protocols, Wiprud and her co-pilot safely landed the plane in Portland. Fortunately, only minor injuries were reported. Wiprud was awarded the 2023 ALPA Superior Airmanship Award by the Air Line Pilots Association for her efforts.

Majiah Washington

Majiah Washington, an 18-year-old from Portland, displayed extraordinary bravery during an ice storm incident on Jan. 17. Witnessing a collapsed power line that electrocuted three neighbors, including a pregnant woman, Washington acted quickly to save a 9-month-old baby caught in the chaos.

“I just did what any sane person would do,” Washington told reporter Austin De Dios.

Despite the freezing conditions and the presence of live wires, Washington instinctively called 911 and ventured out to retrieve the baby, who was still alive. She wrapped the child and brought him to safety, managing to escape before firefighters arrived. The baby was later reported to be healthy.

Jane and Ed Kim

Jane and Ed Kim, the mother-son duo behind the Korean Mama, have made a name for themselves in Portland’s growing foodie scene. The Kims are known for sampling restaurants across all cuisines. While Jane reacts to each bite, Ed films and edits the clips for social media.

“Mom has always been this very happy, positive person,” Ed told me in May. “Whenever she laughs, it always puts me in a good mood.”

Their bond has deepened since they began these social media ventures two years ago, bringing them closer after the passing of Ed’s father in 2021. With over 800,000 TikTok followers, their shared love for food reflects Korean culture’s emphasis on bonding through meals.

Monica Johnston

Monica Johnston, a 44-year-old burn nurse from Portland, only expected to spend two weeks away from home on a humanitarian mission in Rafah. However, her plans changed after Israel seized the nearest border crossing on May 7. After days trapped in Rafah, Johnston was able to return home on May 18 after the Israeli government agreed to let Johnston and four other American members of her 19-person team evacuate.

Inspired by her childhood experiences with healthcare, Johnston felt a calling to help after learning about volunteer opportunities with the Palestinian American Medical Association, wrote reporter Tatum Todd.

“I’m just excited to come back to my work and keep helping,” Johnston said as she hugged her coworkers at Portland International Airport.

Eunice Jackson

As Eunice Jackson approached her 100th birthday on May 27, she reflected on a life shaped by the “little things” that have made it meaningful, she told Tom Hallman. Growing up in a segregated and economically constrained environment in Kansas City, Jackson credits her resilience to a strong community and her faith, attending church and teaching Sunday school.

Over the years, she has overcome significant personal loss, managing the deaths of two husbands, two sons, and a daughter, while nurturing a large family that includes six children, 12 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. Well-regarded by her family, she instilled the values of learning and compassion in her children and grandchildren, influencing their successful careers.

Duke Mitchell

Duke Mitchell, an 18-year-old graduate of Rosemary Anderson High School, celebrated a remarkable turnaround on June 8 when he crossed the stage at Portland State University’s Viking Pavilion and received his diploma. Just two years prior, Mitchell faced significant challenges, falling behind in credits due to irregular attendance and the emotional toll of gun violence in his community.

However, his determination and support from teachers transformed his outlook and academic success. “I am ready for what comes tomorrow,” Mitchell told Noelle Crombie, who first wrote about him in The Oregonian’s 2022 series, “The Safest Place.”

Brian Dessinger and Larry De Leon

Brian Dessinger, 56, and his biological father, Larry De Leon, 76, have formed a close bond after finding each other six years ago. After years of searching for answers about his heritage, Dessinger connected with De Leon through Ancestry.com, leading to a heartwarming reunion. Despite growing up without a father, both men share common interests, such as woodworking and outdoor adventures, and have learned to embrace each other’s quirks — especially their shared dyslexia.

“It’s the ‘Brian and Larry Show’ when we’re together,” Dessinger told reporter Janet Eastman.

Despite decades apart, they’ve embraced a relationship filled with laughter, learning and acceptance. For Brian and Larry, their reunion isn’t just about biology — it’s about finding joy, understanding and belonging in the family they chose to nurture.

Amiya Roberts

Amiya Roberts, an 18-year-old Reynolds High School senior, faced the challenges of transitioning to college amid declining college enrollment rates for Black students in Oregon. Roberts was one of only about 800 or so Black students graduating from Oregon high schools this spring, the vast majority of them in the Portland metro area, wrote reporter Julia Silverman.

After struggling with the challenges of online learning during the pandemic, Roberts rebuilt her academic foundation, earning straight As in her senior year. With guidance from Self Enhancement Inc., Roberts navigated the complexities of college applications, securing a spot at Portland State University and $15,000 in federal aid.

“I’m excited and scared at the same time — all those people looking at me,” Roberts said. “It really is an accomplishment.”

Kelly Stolp and Tanner Hoskins

Formed by Army veteran Kelly Stolp and his friend Tanner Hoskins after a mysterious camping experience in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in 2020, the Pacific Northwest Bigfoot Search originally focused on hunting Sasquatch. But after receiving a request to search for signs of a missing person who vanished in the forest, the group set up the Pacific Northwest Missing Persons Project.

“We’re already out in the woods looking for a Bigfoot. Might as well do something,” Hoskins told reporter Samantha Swindler.

Despite skepticism from others, the group remains committed to their dual mission, blending a sense of adventure with the hope of solving real-world mysteries. “It brought magic back into my life in a way,” Stolp said. “Mystery came back, because it didn’t exist before that. It’s like being a kid again.”

Tom Calvanese

Tom Calvanese, the founder and director of the Oregon Kelp Alliance, is dedicated to restoring Oregon’s underwater kelp forests. With a background as a commercial urchin diver and a fisheries scientist, Calvanese has witnessed firsthand the dramatic decline of kelp ecosystems, primarily due to overpopulation of purple sea urchins following the die-off of sunflower sea stars, wrote reporter Gosia Wozniacka.

“If we can restore and maintain these oases where we continue to produce kelp spores then we have a chance to regrow from there,” he said.

Calvanese’s passion for kelp conservation extends beyond research, as he works directly with local communities, agencies and stakeholders to protect and restore these critical underwater habitats. Crafting innovative restoration strategies, he has secured more than $4 million in funding for initiatives aimed at removing harmful urchin populations and replanting kelp.

Diana Coogle

Diana Coogle, from southern Oregon’s Applegate Valley, set a challenge to hike 800 miles on 80 different trails to celebrate her 80th birthday, achieving this goal on June 24. Although foot surgery delayed her progress for two months, her determination and love for nature fueled her journey. On her birthday, she celebrated with family and friends after ultimately hiking a total of 868 miles over the year

Offering advice to readers, Coogle told reporter Janet Eastman “Do what you enjoy most. Keep your body healthy and strong as long as you can, and, always engage with the natural world. Give it your love.”

Erika Abdelatif and Kristen Myers

Portlanders Erika Abdelatif and Kristen Myers, both 37, are the dynamic duo behind the podcast “Dinky,” a take on the “double (or dual)-income-no-kids” acronym, which delves into the child-free lifestyle with humor, candor and a growing audience. Their show addresses the growing phenomenon of child-free living and its societal implications, especially as recent Pew research indicates that many adults under 50 choose not to have kids primarily because they don’t want to. Since launching the podcast in July 2022, they have attracted a large following of approximately 80,000 across social media and over 250,000 podcast downloads.

“I’d say it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made this year,” Good told reporter Lizzy Acker, “and the excitement of it has already made us closer friends.”

With supportive feedback from listeners, the duo is now organizing a group trip for child-free women to Switzerland, further fostering connections within this community.

Tony Hopson Sr.

Tony Hopson Sr., who 43 years ago started a summer camp for Black students in Northeast Portland and grew it into a landmark nonprofit that saw three generations of Black children through to college and beyond, retired as Self Enhancement Inc.’s CEO this year, wrote Julia Silverman.

What began as a summer camp evolved into a transformative organization offering mentorship, academic support and life skills to generations of students, particularly in Northeast Portland. Under Hopson’s leadership, the nonprofit became known for its effective mentorship programs, which have achieved a 98% high school graduation rate among participants.

His signature accomplishment, Hopson said in an interview with The Oregonian/OregonLive, was “the number of individual children and families who have been touched by SEI. So many of them have gone on to do great things.”

Derik Morganstern

Derik Morganstern, a 35-year-old man known for his bravery and kindness, died on Aug. 12 while attempting to save a woman who jumped off a pedestrian bridge into the Willamette River in Salem.

He was “the kind of guy who would give you the shirt off his back,” his sister Aly Morganstern said.

He was at Salem’s Wallace Marine Park on the west bank of the Willamette River, where he lived, when he spotted a woman who had jumped from the nearby pedestrian bridge into the water. Morganstern immediately plunged into the river to reach the woman and was able to push her toward safety, Beth Slovic wrote.

Deric Sean Johnson

Deric Sean Johnson is remembered for his gentle demeanor, advocacy for the homeless and the heroic action that took his life on Aug. 18 when he attempted to save a mother and her two sons from drowning in the ocean.

During the rescue attempt, Johnson jumped into the water after warning the family about the dangers of the strong current. While his attempts were valiant, he was ultimately swept away by the riptide, although the mother and her sons were saved by firefighters. He was the father of four daughters, whom he had not seen in nearly a decade, and was regarded as a loving parent despite his struggles with mental illness and homelessness. Johnson’s dedication to helping others and his love for nature were evident in his life, leaving a lasting impact on his community and friends, Garret Jaros wrote for Yachats News.

Yaz Ayala and Osmar Ayala Jimenez

Osmar Ayala Jimenez, a father from Beaverton, took a significant step towards citizenship after 28 years in the U.S. through the Military Parole in Place program. The achievement was made possible by his daughter, Specialist Yaz Ayala, who serves in the Oregon Army National Guard.

Ayala Jimenez was filled with emotion as he received his work permit and Social Security card during a heartfelt ceremony at Beaverton City Hall in September. The documents gave him the chance to remain in the country legally but also allowed him to return to Guatemala for the first time in nearly three decades, where he was reunited with his mother.

Mayor Lacey Beaty praised both father and daughter for their commitment to family and service, recognizing the unique opportunity this program provides for families of military personnel to obtain a pathway to residency.

Beth Gillander

Beth Gillander, an 81-year-old scuba diver from Oregon, became an advocate for Scuba Access For Everyone (S.A.F.E.), a Hillsboro nonprofit that changed her life. Born prematurely, Gillander has lived with weak bones, stiff muscles and the inability to bend her knees caused by the neurological disorder cerebral palsy. After scuba diving with S.A.F.E., Gillander was able to experience a new level of mobility and freedom underwater, she told reporter Janet Eastman. Gillander aims to inspire others to pursue activities that promote freedom of movement, sharing her belief that “if you put your mind to it, you can do anything.”

Bryan Butcher Jr.

Bryan Butcher Jr., a seventh grade algebra teacher at Beaumont Middle School, was named Oregon’s Teacher of the Year in October. With over a decade of experience, Butcher’s commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment has empowered countless students to overcome their anxieties about math.

“A lot of kids come in with an anxiety around math, or nervousness from it,” Butcher told The Oregonian/OregonLive. “I do my best to … make my space feel comfortable, where they can take risks and take chances.”

Butcher also wants to be a role model as a Black man teaching math, something he didn’t see when he was a kid, wrote Aviva Bechky. His efforts include founding the Black Student Union at his school, further cementing his dedication to fostering community and inclusivity.

Wendy Red Star

Wendy Red Star, an Apsáalooke/Crow visual artist based in Portland, was awarded the prestigious MacArthur Fellowship in October for her contributions to the art world. Growing up on the Apsáalooke Reservation in Montana, Red Star intertwines her cultural identity with her work, which spans sculpture, photography and collage, while challenging Indigenous stereotypes and incorporating archival materials.

“I think the reason why my art is so connected to my identity — there can’t be one without the other — is because of that cultural background,” Red Star told me in October.

Often referred to as a “genius grant,” the fellowship provides Red Star with $800,000 over five years, allowing her to further explore her creative practice and continue her storytelling through art, including an upcoming exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery in 2026.

Elsie McFarland

Elsie McFarland, at 91, is the heart and soul of Caro Amico, Oregon’s oldest pizzeria, which she helped establish in 1949. Growing up on a hazelnut farm, she was unfamiliar with pizza until her family introduced it to Portland, eventually opening a restaurant that would become a beloved local institution, wrote Michael Russell.

McFarland played a key role in bringing Neapolitan-style pizza to the city, changing Portland’s food scene forever. Despite two major fires and the challenges of the pandemic, Caro Amico reopened in 2024, thanks in part to McFarland’s determination. On weekends, she can still be found working the tables, greeting long-time customers and ensuring the restaurant’s legacy continues to thrive.

Ezekiel Wheeler

Thirteen-year-old Ezekiel Wheeler of Portland achieved a dream nearly five years in the making when he connected with the International Space Station (ISS) via ham radio. On Oct. 18, Wheeler led a live Q&A session with astronaut Sunita Williams, who answered questions from Wheeler’s classmates about life aboard the ISS and the future of space travel.

Wheeler’s dedication to the project began when he was just eight years old, and he played a key role in building the necessary equipment to make the connection possible. The event, part of NASA’s Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program, took place at the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum in McMinnville, Oregon.

“This is just the beginning,” one person at the museum said as she was leaving the space Q&A. “Let’s see what he does next.” Tyler Brown tells the story.

Katherine Morgan

Katherine Morgan is the owner of Grand Gesture Books, Portland’s first romance-only bookstore, which she opened in October. With a deep love for romance novels, Katherine spent seven years at Powell’s Books, eventually managing the romance section before launching her own store.

Inspired by her own experiences as a young reader, she emphasizes the importance of representation, featuring works by authors of color and contemporary voices within the genre. She hopes her store will be a community hub, hosting events, author readings and even weddings, wrote reporter Veronica Nocera.

Gary Kristensen

Gary Kristensen, a gardener from Happy Valley, made history by setting a world record for paddling a giant pumpkin boat over 45 miles on the Columbia River. Kristensen started his giant pumpkin growing journey in 2011 at his wife’s request, primarily to entertain his young kids. More than a decade later, Kristensen’s passion turned into a full-fledged quest as he realized the potential to go big — literally, wrote reporter Tyler Brown.

His successful record attempt lasted nearly 35 hours, during which he faced numerous challenges, including navigational difficulties and equipment issues. However, Kristensen said that if he were asked to do it all again, he would jump at the opportunity and is already eyeing another record attempt next year, if he finds the right pumpkin.

Erica Nelson

Erica Nelson, Portland Fire & Rescue’s only female fire station captain, retired in December after 25 years of dedicated service. At 50, she leaves behind a notable career in a male-dominated field, where only about 8% of her colleagues are female.

“Seeing young girls and young women, their eyes just light up when they see me, because suddenly they’re imagining themselves,” Nelson told reporter Jamie Hale. “We have to see more people doing more things: women on motorcycles, women traveling alone, women in non-traditional roles. We need it.”

Nelson plans to embrace a life full of adventures, including surfing in Costa Rica and bikepacking in the Balkans, while inspiring young girls to envision themselves in non-traditional roles.

Dog and cat blood donors at DoveLewis

At DoveLewis blood bank in Portland, a dedicated group of animals, including dogs like Dolly and Rocket, are saving lives through their blood donations. The duo are among the 94 dogs (and 48 cats) that are regular donors to the DoveLewis blood bank. It’s not something most people think about until their own pet has a medical emergency, but dogs and cats sometimes need blood transfusions, wrote reporter Samantha Swindler.

About two-thirds of all collected blood is used locally at DoveLewis, but Dolly’s blood has traveled as far as Florida and Texas to save other dogs’ lives.

— Chiara Profenna covers religion, faith and cultural connections. Reach her at 503-221-4327; [email protected] or @chiara-profenna on BlueSky.

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