“Unwavering support of the public”, “dedication to volunteer service”, “providing to those in need with compassion and empathy”, “exemplary dedicated community service”, “creates positive and supportive opportunities for others”, “enthusiastic and professional” and “sensitivity to others in need”.

Those phrases could be applied to any of the seven people who were honored at the May 3 ‘People Who Make A Difference’ breakfast in Highland Falls. Held at the American Legion Hall, the event was hosted, for the 22nd year, by the Hudson Valley Women’s Association & Friends. Ann Molina and John Hunter, founder of the groups, served as the hosts of the morning.

A full house turned out to honor not only the People Who Make A Difference honorees – Highlands Town Councilman Joe DeWitt, former Highland Falls Trustee Dr. Melanie Guerrero, Orange County Legislator Laurie Tautel, Lisa Sibley, Michelle McQueen and Roy R. Spells – but also two soon-to-be O’Neill High School graduates, David Walsh and Quinn Manning.

The high schoolers were presented with Rising Star awards by former recipient of the award Hannah Pitt.

Manning, president of O’Neill’s Drama Club, a member of the school’s Women’s Empowerment Club, Reading Buddies and choir, rose through the ranks as a Girl Scout, and is part of the Town of Highlands United Youth group. She’s performed countless hours of community service, including organizing the town’s Trunk or Treat last year.

Walsh is an award-winning varsity athlete (basketball, football and golf) and plans to attend SUNY New Paltz next year with the goal of becoming a high school physics teacher. He has served as a coach for youth sports in the community, was the president of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee at the high school and also participated in the Podcast Club and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Hunter called it a privilege to make the acquaintance of the students, and said he expected to see them doing big things in the community, or whatever community they eventually land in, as they get older. “That’s our future right there,” he said.

After the youth awards and breakfast, the other honorees were recognized. All received a plaque, as well as citations from Congressman Pat Ryan and Tautel in her role as an Orange County Legislator.

DeWitt was introduced by his lifelong friend and fellow Town Board member Nancy Sporbert, who described him as a ‘local’ who left town for a long time but then returned to “get involved and help anyone who needs it”. “It’s been such a great privilege to get to know him as an adult,” she said. DeWitt said he was very honored to be recognized, and paid tribute to “two very strong women who were a great influence on me – my mother Julie and my aunt Fran (DeWitt)”.

Molina recognized McQueen, who works as a social worker and substance abuse counselor at Keller Army Hospital and is a very active member of St. John AME Zion Church in Highland Falls. Married for 27 years with four children and ten grandchildren, she currently also works with the Clergy Association of the Town of Highlands’ community meals programs. “My journey has not been easy,” McQueen said, noting that she was advised in high school that she likely wasn’t college-bound, but went on to prove that person wrong. “A lot of people in my life never counted me out. Thank God for living in a small community – there are many people with very large hearts who continue to inspire me.”

Sibley, a lifelong Highland Falls resident, suffered brain damage after a battle with bacterial meningitis several years ago. Called “a beautiful miracle” by Molina, she has since worked to not only improve her own life but also to improve the life of everyone she meets with projects such as her ‘Second Chances’ support group, Happy Brain Day events, and by distributing bicycle helmets to children who need them. “I am so thankful for this award, and I live every day of my life trying to make a difference,” Sibley said. “I know how lucky I am to be here.”

Spells, a retired U.S. Air Force colonel, and volunteer for Good Shepherd Food Distribution Center in Newburgh and a longtime member of the West Point-Highland Falls Rotary Club, was introduced by his fellow Rotarian Kim Lee. “There isn’t anything he wouldn’t do for someone who needs help,” she said of her friend of 20 years. “He’s a leader, mentor and community servant.” Spells called it “truly a pleasure to be here” and said he will continue to help others. He is also commander of VFW Post 10871at Steward Field in New Windsor.

Finally, Tautel was introduced by her friend Highlands Town Councilman Tyrone King. A lifelong Fort Montgomery resident, Tautel is a true “servant leader”, King said, because she has woven God, Family and Community into her life. She said she was deeply honored to receive the honor and was appreciative of King’s words. They particularly hit home, Tautel added, because her mother was currently in the hospital – “please say a little prayer for her,” she said. Tautel also asked all in the audience to take five minutes out of their busy days whenever possible to check in on a friend, family member or neighbor who could use a bit of companionship: “that quick call or visit might make a huge difference in their life that day.”

Dr. Guerrero, it was noted, was unable to be at the event because she was recovering from a medical procedure.

Also speaking at the event was Town of Highlands Supervisor Bob Livsey. He thanked the HVWAF for recognizing the honorees. “Finding people in this town who are deserving of these awards is not hard, in my opinion,” he said. “But taking the time to bring these honors to fruition is special.”

Molina made very brief remarks, calling the day “my day, because I get to surround myself with all of you very good people”.