PEAK Young Professionals present Rising Star Awards

KINGSPORT — PEAK - Kingsport Young Professionals recently presented the Rising Star Awards to recognize emerging leaders making a community impact early in their careers. A news release states the award celebrates those who "demonstrate exceptional promise, leadership and commitment to both their profession and the Kingsport community." Recipients are expected to embody the spirit of PEAK: passionate, engaged, ambitious and kind. This year, the Kingsport Chamber and PEAK Young Professionals announced John Pendleton and Makenzy Tester as the 2026 Rising Star Award recipients. Pendleton serves as account director at Mycroft Signs and is involved in numerous leadership roles throughout the community. He is on the PEAK leadership team, chair of Leadership Kingsport and vice chair of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Kingsport. Tester is assistant general manager of the Kingsport Axmen with the Appalachian League. The release states she also serves on the PEAK leadership team, is a member of the United Way of Greater Kingsport Board of Directors and supports multiple local efforts and events. "These two individuals truly represent what it means to lead with purpose and serve with heart," Jessica Poore, chair of the Kingsport Leadership Programs and executive director of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Kingsport, said in the release "John and Makenzy are already making a lasting difference in our community, and we are incredibly proud to recognize them as this year's Rising Star Award recipients." The awards were presented during the Leadership Kingsport Community Breakfast, where community leaders gathered to celebrate leadership, service and the Leadership Kingsport Class of 2026.