27th Annual Human Rights Awards

By Jennifer L. Warren

CAMPBELL HALL – “The need to repair the world is always there.”

These words were emphasized by Cantor Carl Sayers of the Congregation of Agudas Israel prior to his moving Cultural Performance-keyboard and singing, playing- of “Ledor Vador” (from generation to generation) and “O Say Shalom.” The moment encapsulated the motifs of justice, equity, dignity and community bonding weaved throughout Thursday’s three hour 27th Annual Orange County Human Rights Awards Ceremony.

“Repairing” the world by arduously helping to ensure all people’s basic human rights cited in the 1948-developed Universal Declaration of Human Rights are protected, the Orange County Human Rights Commission saluted individuals who and organizations that unwaveringly pursue that critical mission. In addition to honoring four of those community trailblazers, the Ceremony serves as a fundraiser for the local Commission’s Scholarship Fund. It’s a much-anticipated, uplifting venue, celebrating those committed to transformative change and carried out in collaboration with Orange County Executive Director, Steven Neuhaus.

“We need to make sure all the people in our community are taken care of,” affirmed Neuhaus, in his Welcome Remarks. Proceeding to elaborate upon some of the revered ways the four honorees: Leadership Orange, RECAP, SUNY Orange and Susan Miller, have devoted their efforts to protecting that treasured right and comfort, Neuhaus expressed his deep gratitude to the lasting imprint each has made on the multiple lives he-she has touched.

RECAP (Regional Economic Community Action Program, Inc), celebrating its 60th year as an integral anti-poverty agency, delivers priceless services- such as Head Start, workplace development, and substance use treatment- to the County’s most vulnerable populations.
“This is more than an award; it’s a time to reflect, as our collective responsibility to each other has never been so important,” said Michele McKeon, accepting the RECAP recognition. “Lifting people up, strengthens all of us; we are all connected and have a duty to lift each other up.” McKeon added, “We must be courageous, stand in the gap, say ‘not on my watch and not in my community;’ love is the one big superpower we all have.”

Accepting the award for SUNY Orange was its President, Kristine Young. Pointing to SUNY Orange being the first County-sponsored community college in the SUNY system, Young alluded to it celebrating its 75th year as well as “46 percent of its students identifying as not white.”

“It all starts with access,” said Young. “A while back a group of people wanted a place for higher education in Orange County, and this has been the result many years later.”

Leadership Orange, who has a 30 year track record of developing a strong link of civic-minded, diverse and passionate, forward-looking leaders in Orange County, while empowering people through educational sessions and leadership development, was another recognized community agency.

“Access to leadership should only depend on willingness to lead and bring change-not on color of skin, economic status or any outside factors,” said Leadership Orange’s Rose Little. “Leadership is not about holding power, but sharing it.”

The last recipient of the program was Susan Miller, who has spent decades advocating for children, families and individuals with disabilities while presently serving as Chief Operating Officer for Downstate and Children and Youth Programs Rehabilitation Support and Services, Inc. Having the impressive contingent of co-workers on hand at the Ceremony stand up and share this esteemed honor with her, Miller spoke of her social worker journey, one inspired by her family and embedded in deep roots.

“I have been deeply impacted by my family, and anyone who knows me-even a little bit, knows I will not stand for intolerance in any manner,” said Miller. “This award is the most important one I have ever received, and I will continue to be a fierce advocate for justice and inclusion, carrying on the legacy of my parents as well as friends and co-workers.”

Rounding out the event’s recognitions was the high school 2025 Scholarship Awardees: Morgan Taylor, Goshen High School and Sharlin Barragon Lara, Minisink Valley High School, the latter was not able to attend. However, Taylor was on hand to personally accept her honor as well as provide some impromptu, moving remarks.

“I feel honored and privileged to be standing in front of so many inspirational people,” said Taylor, who described herself as a cellist, artist writer and “above all, activist. “My mother taught me better to be a participant than a follower, to lead by example and really stand up for yourself, especially when you think you can’t.” Taylor continued, “Encourage young people to have their voice, let your kids know it’s o.k. to be uncomfortable, the odd one out, and that no matter what, they are still loved, and that they can be an activist if only given that chance.”