A community tradition of nearly 90 years continues later this month when the Arlington County Civic Federation presents the 2026 “ARLnow Cup” for outstanding leadership.
The recipient’s name will be unveiled at the organization’s April 24 awards banquet. He or she will be enshrined in a pantheon of civic involvement that dates back to 1938.
Local News Now, the parent of ARLnow, assumed sponsorship of the award upon acquiring the GazetteLeader news organization in 2024. It had been known as the GazetteLeader Cup for the preceding two years.
The award previously was known as the Washington (Evening) Star Cup (1938-1982), Journal Cup (1983-2004) and Sun Gazette Cup (2004-22).
Last year’s recipient was Portia Clark, recognized for her lengthy activism on behalf of the Green Valley community as well as civic involvement in education and other issues.
The annual honor was first presented to Robert Plymale, who chaired the federation’s public-utilities committee. A then-current list of recipients was published as part of the Civic Federation’s centennial celebration in 2016.
Founded in 1916 by six community associations, the Civic Federation today has more than 80 member organizations representing both individual neighborhoods and community-wide organizations.
The April 24 banquet begins at 6 p.m. at Spates Conference Center Ballroom on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.
Additional federation awards will also be presented at the banquet, which is held every two years. In alternate years, awards are presented at Civic Federation meetings.
Tickets to the banquet are available until April 20, with early-bird pricing through April 10. Both federation delegates and the general public can attend.
