The Downtown Vernon Association (DVA) has named a new award honouring outstanding business achievements after Lynza Henke, a local teen entrepreneur whose life was tragically cut short in a downtown crosswalk this summer. 

The Lynza Legacy Award will only be presented "when deemed truly deserved and would recognize individuals or businesses whose contributions have made positive impacts within our downtown community," the DVA said on Facebook Oct. 2. 

Fittingly, the award's first recipient is Lynella Henke, Lynza's mother, who runs Vernon Teach and Learn, a staple business in the downtown core since 1990. The DVA presented the award to Lynella on Wednesday. 

Creation of the award and plans to make Lynella its first recipient have been in the works since before Lynza's death. The process began in June, when the DVA recognized an opportunity to create and establish a "special" award to honour outstanding achievements and efforts by its members. The DVA established the elements needed to launch the award, but didn't yet have an appropriate title for the award. 

An appropriate title regrettably presented itself. An "unthinkable tragedy" befell the Henke family and the community at large when Lynza was struck by a vehicle at a downtown crosswalk on July 20 and succumbed to her injuries nearly a month later, and the DVA chose to name the award in Lynza's honour. 

"The Lynza Legacy Award recognizes a business or individual in downtown Vernon who makes outstanding contributions in community engagement, innovation, and has unparalleled business acumen and customer service. The recipient of this award carries forward the spirit of Lynza Henke by working with their whole heart, pioneering entrepreneurial efforts, and showcasing an unwavering dedication to enhancing the vibrancy and success of downtown Vernon," the DVA wrote. 

The business association commended the team behind Vernon Teach and Learn — Lynella and husband Trevor, their daughters and "amazing team of staff" — for making downtown Vernon a better place by taking part in events, reaching new customers and giving back to the community.

"Vernon Teach and Learn is a leader in Vernon and will often influence other businesses with the decisions they make. Some businesses have even adopted a ‘What would Lynella do?’ philosophy," the DVA said.

The association presented Lynella with the award to honour the longstanding business owner's "exceptional community leadership, collaborative efforts, and relentless pursuit of positive development in Downtown Vernon."