Local

Sojourner Truth Awards Program Salutes Youth

Mar 13, 2024

Local secondary level students from schools in Orange County were recognized at Fridays Sojourner Truth Awards Program.

By Jennifer L. Warren

MIDDLETOWN – She holds the lofty distinction of being one of the most distinguished and revered African-American Women in the 19th Century. Upon hearing her name, one immediately conjures up images of perseverance, determination, faith and perhaps most notably: Truth.

Sojourner Truth, a name the woman who was a slave for the first 28 years of her life granted herself while receiving a message from God during deep prayer, devoted her free years to the mission of traveling and speaking the “truth” of God’s word. Much of that “Sojourn” took place right here in the mid-Hudson region up until her 46th year. And so, it is in that very spirit that the Sojourner Truth Awards Program was born 34 years ago.

Students representing schools from Orange County in grades 6-12 receive honors Friday night inside of SUNY Orange Middletown Campus Physical Education Center at the 34th Annual Sojourner Truth Awards Program, recognizing excellence in an assortment of areas, including citizenship, academics and athletics.

Recognizing Orange County students in grades 6-12 for their achievements in; Academics, Citizenship, Athletics and Perseverance/Effort, the esteemed Program made a return to in-person, after a three year virtual format, Friday evening at SUNY Orange Middletown Campus, inside the Physical Education Center.

“Look around this space; so many incredible things have happened here,” began Dr. Kristine Young, President SUNY Orange, as she welcomed in the 645 honorees, along with their families, friends and distinguished guests and cited the college’s two highly successful 2023-2024 basketball teams as well as the expansive nursing program, all of whom share this special setting for both games and graduation. “You too now rate pretty high with all the people in this space; someone saw something special in you and called you out for it.” Young continued, “Keep going, developing, and working on it; we want to keep on celebrating you.”

This year’s celebration was full of excitement, joy and radiant smiles, laden with pride. Students, representing 16 school districts in Orange County, were awarded recognitions for their impressive achievements in a total of 10 areas. Whether the laurel was earned for Creative Arts, Technology, Citizenship or another area of expertise, the student in some way carried the spirit- the mission of the legendary, inspiring Truth.

Middletown Mayor, Joseph M. Destafano, was one of several political dignitaries on hand at Friday’s 34th Annual Sojourner Truth Awards Program, honoring 645 students in grades 6-12 in an assortment of areas.

“Sojourner Truth was told her entire life she wasn’t good enough, and despite it all, she prevailed; I think we can all take this message as a way to grow and learn,” said the night’s Keynote Speaker, Honorable Judge Theresa Cayton, who herself started her collegiate career at SUNY Orange, going on to confront her own set of challenges, each of which she met with patience, hard work, faith and determination, much like the woman whose life inspired the Program. “Each one of you has a unique path in life because you are unique.”

Looking out to the large, attentive group of youth seated in front of her, Cayton, who was appointed to the bench as a City Court Judge, sitting in the City of Middletown, in January of 2024, added, “You are here tonight because there is something about you that makes you extraordinary; figure out what you want to do with that talent, don’t stop, and always remain true to your own path and truth.”