Young people across the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia region are making meaningful contributions to their schools and communities. This September, the 2026 DMV Youth Impact Awards recognized middle and high school students for turning academic dedication, service, and initiative into positive local impact.
Presented by Together We Thrive in partnership with Eden Center, the Ebenstein Foundation, schools, businesses, and community organizations across the region, the awards were part of the Moon Festival celebration at Eden Center on September 26, 2026.
Douglas and Norman Ebenstein’s Legacy at Eden Center
The location of the awards carries special significance. Eden Center has grown into an important commercial, social, and cultural destination for the Vietnamese-American community in Falls Church and throughout the Washington metropolitan region.
Douglas “Doug” Ebenstein serves as president and CEO of Eden Center and Capital Commercial Properties. His leadership continues a family connection to the property that began with his late father, Norman “Norm” Ebenstein.
Norman founded Capital Commercial Properties in 1961 and played a central role in the revitalization of Eden Center. Under the Ebenstein family’s stewardship, the center developed into a place where Vietnamese-American businesses, traditions, and community life could grow together.
Hosting the DMV Youth Impact Awards at Eden Center brought that history together with a new generation of students committed to service and leadership.
Recognizing Service and Youth Leadership Across the DMV
The DMV Youth Impact Awards were created to highlight students who perform well academically while finding meaningful ways to serve others.
The initiative aims to elevate youth leadership, encourage civic engagement, strengthen partnerships between families and community organizations, and ensure students from every background feel recognized for their contributions.
Rather than focusing only on medals or certificates, the awards offer students an important message: their ideas, actions, and commitment to their communities matter.
For the 2026 awards, eligible students were required to be enrolled in a middle or high school in Washington, D.C., Maryland, or Virginia, maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, and demonstrate a commitment to community service.
Students were encouraged to share the community needs they identified, the steps they took to help, and the impact of their service, highlighting how young people across the DMV are already making meaningful contributions to their communities.
Celebrating Students at Eden Center
Selected students were recognized for their leadership, academic performance, and commitment to community service as part of the September 26 Moon Festival celebration at Eden Center.
The awards program was designed to recognize students alongside their families, peers, educators, and community leaders, connecting youth achievement with a broader celebration of culture and community.
10
Ten students were also selected as Standout Honorees, with each receiving an additional $250 cash award.
Building a Stronger Future Through Community Service
Community impact often begins with a student noticing a need and deciding to act. The 2026 DMV Youth Impact Awards celebrated that initiative while bringing together families, educators, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and community leaders to support the next generation.
By recognizing young people for their academic dedication, leadership, and service, the program encourages students to continue developing their voices, serving their communities, and turning their ideas into action.
The 2026 awards also reinforced Eden Center’s broader role as a gathering place where culture, community, and the next generation can come together.