Junior League Celebrated 24 Emerging Leaders

MIDDLETOWN – Twenty-four exceptional individuals who live, work, or volunteer in Orange County were honored last week at the 20th Annual Orange County’s Rising Stars Gala, held at The Barn at Villa Venezia and presented by the Junior League of Orange County, NY, Inc. (JLOCNY).

“This year’s honorees reflect the very best of Orange County—people who lead with integrity, passion, and a deep commitment to service,” said Amanda Marsh, 2025 Rising Stars Chair.

“Celebrating twenty years of Rising Stars makes this moment especially meaningful. These leaders remind us why investing in our community matters.”

Since 2006, the Rising Stars Awards have recognized more than 447 leaders whose professional achievements, volunteerism, and vision strengthen communities throughout Orange County. Honorees are selected by an independent panel based on demonstrated leadership, community impact, and commitment to service.

“We were honored to celebrate this remarkable group during such an important milestone year,” said Ginny Townsend, President of the Junior League of Orange County. “Their dedication to improving Orange County is extraordinary, and we look forward to seeing the lasting impact they will continue to make.”

2025 ORANGE COUNTY’S RISING STARS HONOREES
• Chaplain (Captain) Melissa Benedict, 105th Airlift Wing, Stewart Air National Guard Base;
• Shauna N. Best, Middletown YMCA
Nolan H. Bosch, 105th Airlift Wing, 213th Engineering Installation Squadron;
• Francesca (Frankie) Bryson, Catholic Charities of Orange, Sullivan & Ulster -TEAM Newburgh;
• Paula A. Coloni, L.C.S.W.-R, A.C.S.W., 105th Airlift Wing, Stewart Air National Guard Base;
• Christina Contento, Rockland BOCES; Ms. New York International 2025;
• Michael A. Corletta, New York State Police;
• Colleen M. Decker, Legal Aid Society; Women’s Bar Association of Orange & Sullivan Counties;
• Shawn I. Elser, Otisville Fire Department;
• Colonel Christina Fanitzi, Brigade Tactical Department, U.S. Military Academy; Mrs. New York; NYS Mother of the Year 2025;
• Dominick J. Kopacz, NY Air National Guard;
• Tamara A. Lajara, Orange County Chamber of Commerce;
• Master Sergeant Alexandria Mackay, New York Air National Guard;
• Chris Masters, Executive Director, Man Cave Health;
• Serra Gene McDowall, RUPCO, Inc.; Sullivan County Land Bank Corp.;
• Teresa Moldovany, Catholic Charities of Orange, Sullivan & Ulster;
• Dr. Pamela Murphy, Garnet Health Medical Center; Orange County Human Rights Commission;
• Lauren S. Ostner, Truly Scrumptious Catering; Gus’s Restaurant & Tavern; Walsh Havemeyer Estate Historic Event Venue;
• Captain Thomas J. Owens, New York Air National Guard;
• 1st Lt Luke D. Pikoulas, New York Air National Guard;
• Alexander A. Prizgintas, Woodbury Historical Society – Town of Woodbury;
• Megan Sargent, Harriman Engine Co. Ladies Auxiliary; Ladies Auxiliary of the Orange County Volunteer Firemen’s Association;
• Lauren E. Scott, J&G Law, LLP; and
• Erin Stamp, Chester Union Free School District SEPTSA (Special Education PTSA).