4 people, 1 group, 1 business were honored on Saturday
Zach Sizemore
1st Lt. Raphael Waruinge
Dr. Crystal Waterman
Dr. Frank Sheboy
The Ice Cream Shoppe
The Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club
That’s one of those lists that may not make any sense when you first look at it … a college kid, a principal, a superintendent of schools, an Army officer, a motorcycle club and a business may not have much in common on paper.
But, their commonality all came together at Saturday morning’s 16th ‘People Who Make a Difference’ breakfast at the West Point Club.
To summarize a few of the phrases used about them at the event, which is co-sponsored by the Hudson Valley Women’s Association & Friends and The Center of Highland Falls, they “have outstanding accomplishments”, “they want to share their lives with others”, “they stop and pay attention to the world around them”, “they are rich in diversity”, “they try to be their very best”, and “they are dedicated to their community”.
Each of the honorees at the breakfast was presented with a certificate of accomplishment from the HVWAF as well as certificates from Orange County (Legislator Laurie Tautel presented those), Senator James Skoufis and Assemblyman Colin Schmitt.
The breakfast was opened with an invocation by the Church of the Holy Innocents Rev. Judy Ferguson and closed with a benediction from Pastor Agnes Saffoury.
John Hunter was the master of ceremony, and called it an “honor and privilege” to be at the “very unique gathering”. He thanked the people in the very full room for supporting the efforts of the two agencies which hosted the breakfast.
“We do our best to highlight the good about the Hudson Valley, support its residents, and promote cohesion in our community,” Hunter said.
All six of the honorees were called up individually, with a presenter to tell the room about their accomplishments. They were honored in this order:
Zachary Sizemore: Chamber of Commerce President Jim Modlin introduced Sizemore, noting he’s the youngest member of the Chamber, and is “very articulate, very interested in the community and wants to make things happen”. Sizemore is in his second semester of law school at Cornell university, where he is on the Dean’s List. “You’re looking at our future right here,” Modlin said. He received the Rising Star award.
1st Lt. Raphael Waruinge: This 2015 graduate of West Point is a diversity officer for the Military Academy now; he’s a native of Tampa, Fla., which is where he met the man who introduced him, retired Lt. Col. Jason Mims. Mims told the story of how Waruinge, who also received the Rising Star award, was in community college and working at his parents’ coffee shop when Mims met him, and how he, at that time, aspired to be an Army officer. That dream came true. “He will tell you he received other people’s kindness along his way, and he’s now in a position to help others,” Mims said. Waruinge said he was “beyond humbled” to receive the award and offered his help to the Highland Falls community at any time.
Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club: This group of men and women were introduced by Michael Graber, who talked about how they are not only good community servants by doing things like raising funds for a Buffalo Soldier monument at West Point, but also help with things like food drives. But most importantly, Graber said, they are helping to keep the “proud history of the Buffalo Soldiers alive”. The Buffalo Soldiers received a ‘People Who Make a Difference’ award.
Dr. Crystal Waterman: Receiving the same award was this principal of Westchester County’s Edward Williams Elementary School; she was introduced by one of her mentors, Peta-Gay Tomilinson. She “has made a positive impact on 1000’s of children,” it was noted, all the while “being the most humble person I know”. Two tables of friends, family and sorority sisters of Waterman’s were at the event. As she thanked the HVWAF and The Center for her award she quoted the words of both Emily Dickinson and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: “If I can help someone as I travel along, than my living will not be in vain.”
Dr. Frank Sheboy: Ned Kopald introduced the very familiar face of the HF-FMCSD superintendent of schools for his award, saying his “dedication to this community and its children is unmatched”, and that the community is very fortunate to have him. “We have greatly benefited from your warmth and your leadership,” Kopald said. He drew a laugh when he said that one of Sheboy’s traits he admires is that “sometimes we disagree significantly, but we can still work together for the betterment of the people we serve.” Sheboy shared five words with the audience in his brief remarks: Community, Connection, Serving, Empathy and Love, saying those words have helped keep him “grounded” throughout his career.
The Ice Cream Shoppe: Charlie Murphy introduced Jay O’Dell, the owner of the Ice Cream Shop for his ‘Business of the Year’ honor, and gave him full credit for helping to heal her after a serious illness several years ago. She said it was his shop’s Grasshopper Pie ice cream that “made everything better” for her, and she continues to enjoy it today. O’Dell accepted the praise, but turned it back on the teenagers and young adults that he hires to work in his Main St. shop, as well as his family and friends. “He is one of those people who truly make the Town of Highlands a great place to live,” Murphy said.
Ann Molina, founder of both the HVWAF and The Center, closed the ceremony with a few remarks, calling the honorees “an illustrious team of do-gooders” who “are truly special”.
She said the event gets better every year, in her opinion, and “every year I thank God for letting me be a part of this”.
“I have the best position in Highland Falls, because I am never lonely,” she said. “I am surrounded by the best people every day. I am very blessed.”
