Eighteen individuals who either live, work or volunteer in Orange County were honored at the 19th Annual Orange County’s Rising Stars event at The Barn at Villa Venezia in Middletown, NY, an event hosted by the Junior League of Orange County, NY, Inc. (JLOCNY).
“In a world that often feels uncertain and divided, this event is a reminder of the beauty that lies in our collective efforts to make a difference,” stated Barbara DeStafeno, 2024 Orange Counties Rising Star Chairwoman. “My hope is that the positive energy from this event continues to ripple throughout our county, inspiring all of us to keep striving for a better, brighter future.”
Rising Stars recognizes men and women who have demonstrated outstanding leadership skills in their community, from the public, private, non-profit and or volunteer sectors. Their valuable contributions positively impact the county’s quality of life, as they build on the progress of others who have made Orange County an attractive region in the Hudson Valley for families and businesses. The individuals selected have helped their organizations thrive by fostering innovation, presenting creative solutions, and providing leadership for continued success. This year’s honorees deserve to be recognized for excelling in their professional and volunteer service.
“The 2024 Orange County’s Rising Stars event showcased the vibrant energy and unwavering dedication that make our community truly special,” remarked Ginny Townsend, JLOCNY President. “These exceptional individuals embody the heart and soul of Orange County. By recognizing and supporting our Rising Stars, we’re cultivating a brighter future for all of us.”
This year’s honorees:
SrA. Joseph Batavia, 105th Stewart Air National Guard
Kara J. Cavallo, Esq., J&G Law, LLP
Barbara DeStafeno, UPS, Junior League of Orange County, NY
Abigail Doyle, Walden Savings Bank
Denise Hulse, The Alcohol & Drug Awareness Council of Orange County
Justin LaMarch, Monroe Fire Department-Harriman Engine Co #1, Knights of Columbus Council 2079
Douglas Mace, Sugarhouse Wedding & Events Venue
Eamon McAuliffe, New York State Assembly, New York State Young Republicans
SSgt. Christen Mills, Stewart Air National Guard Base
Dandai Paharsingh-Moreno, Crafty Dee’s Canvas & Cruisin’ Kids Party Rental, Town of Highlands Chamber of Commerce
Jacqueline Perez, Catholic Charities of Orange, Sullivan & Ulster
Curtis L. Rhett, Middletown City School Board Trustee and Manager, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.
Michael C. Smith, NY Air National Guard
Sophia Solimando, Pennsylvania College of Technology, The Double H Ranch
Lt. Col. Andrew Townsend, New York Air National Guard, Orange County Chamber of Commerce
Ginny Townsend, Noetic Consultants, Junior League of Orange County
Maj. Brittany Vinson, 137th Airlift Squadron Stewart Air National Guard
MSgt. Dominique Walsh, New York Air National Guard
About the Orange County Rising Stars Award
Junior League of Orange County, Leadership Orange, and the Orange County Chamber of Commerce partnered in 2006 to create an opportunity to recognize those emerging leaders within our community that were making remarkable contributions in a public forum. Recipients of this award are those who possess and execute excellent leadership skills in both their professional and volunteer lives and are chosen based on values such as achievement, experience, innovation, vision and community impact. To qualify for this award, nominees must live, work or volunteer in Orange County. An independent panel chooses the recipients from a diverse pool of candidates for this prestigious award. Including this year’s honorees, 422 individuals have received this prestigious recognition. This year’s event is being sponsored by the Junior League of Orange County. Email orangecountysrisingstars@gmail.com.