The Hudson Valley Renegades are proud to recognize Wappingers Falls resident Ashley Scelia as a Community Star for her dedication to students and her impact on the Washingtonville Central School District for more than 20 years. As a second-grade teacher, she creates a nurturing and inclusive classroom where every student feels seen, supported and empowered to succeed.

Mrs. Scelia’s commitment extends beyond the classroom through the meaningful relationships she builds with students, families and fellow educators. Her passion, kindness and dedication to helping others make her an invaluable member of the Washingtonville community and a true Community Star.

The Hudson Valley Renegades are proud to recognize Dr. Dwight Bonk as a Community Star for his outstanding leadership and dedication to the Wappingers Central School District. Since joining the district in 2010, Dr. Bonk has served in several leadership roles and now serves as superintendent, consistently advocating for students, families and educators.

Through challenging moments, including the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Bonk has provided steady guidance while keeping student safety, opportunity and academic excellence at the forefront. His commitment to public education and strong connection to the community have made a lasting impact throughout the Wappingers Central School District and the Hudson Valley.

The Hudson Valley Renegades are proud to recognize Peter Carr as a Community Star for his exceptional leadership and commitment to strengthening communities throughout the Hudson Valley. As Board Chair of Habitat for Humanity of Dutchess County, Pete has helped advance the organization’s mission of providing safe, affordable housing while playing a key role in the growth and success of the Habitat ReStore.

Pete’s dedication to service extends across numerous local organizations, youth sports programs and community boards. Through his leadership, volunteerism and hands-on approach, he has supported local families, created opportunities and made a lasting impact across the region, making him a deserving Community Star.

The Hudson Valley Renegades are proud to recognize Sally as a Community Star for her lifelong commitment to caring for others. After a 38-year career as a registered nurse, she continued serving her community by joining the American Red Cross in 2018, assisting families affected by fires, loss and natural disasters.

Now serving as Regional Lead for Disaster Health Services for Greater New York, Sally helps train and mentor volunteers while ensuring disaster victims can replace essential medications, medical equipment and supplies for their children. Her compassion, experience and dedication to helping people during their most difficult moments make her a true Community Star.

The Hudson Valley Renegades are proud to recognize Steve Miccio as a Community Star for his transformative work in mental health and substance use care. As CEO of People USA, Steve has used his lived experience to champion trauma-informed, person-centered services that treat every individual with dignity and reinforce the possibility of recovery.

Since 1999, Steve has pioneered innovative peer-led programs that have influenced behavioral health care across the Hudson Valley and beyond, including Rose House crisis respite centers, peer-run crisis teams and hospital diversion programs. His leadership, advocacy and commitment to improving care have changed countless lives and made him a true Community Star.

The Hudson Valley Renegades are proud to recognize Sember as a Community Star for her dedication to improving access to fresh food and local agriculture throughout the Hudson Valley. As Executive Director of Common Ground Farm, located just minutes from Heritage Financial Park, she works tirelessly to connect the community with healthy, locally grown food.

Through farming, educational programming and farmers’ markets, Sember helps strengthen the region’s food system while creating meaningful connections between local residents and agriculture. Her leadership and commitment to serving others make her a true Community Star.

On Jan. 5, 2023, Army Black Nights Junior Forward Eric Huss Suffered an injury from an inadvertent skate to his neck. The first person by his side was Army Hockey Athletic Trainer, Rachel Leahy. Rachel’s quick reaction time in attending to Eric’s wound was instrumental in preventing an already serious injury from becoming catastrophic.

Rachel, a Hudson Valley native who graduated from Roy C. Ketcham High School, truly defines what it means to be a Community Star. She was named Atlantic Hockey Player of the Week for her heroic, life-saving actions.

Ms. Bunt is one of the senior class advisors and has always gone above and beyond to make sure her senior class has the best year possible! She always knows how to help her students feel confident in themselves. She is the definition of hardworking and dedicated. She mentors students on multiple levels from how she teaches, how she approaches students and the faculty. She is willing to help whenever needed. Ms. Bunt is a go-to person for ideas and help and she defines what 'KetchamNation' is all about. She never fails to be there for her students, always making a consistent effort to help in every way, no matter what. Ms. Bunt always shows up for her students and she deserves for them to show up for her and to receive the appreciation she deserves.

Scott’s mission is to make a difference in one person’s life, creating a ripple effect of giving to others with kindness. Scott is tireless in what he brings to the table. Aside from his many jobs, Scott volunteers at BVAC every Sunday as a volunteer EMT. While caring for his young family, Scott is also certified to teach First Aid and CPR. He is constantly going out of his way to better his community by offering his time and life-saving knowledge. Scott also umpires for the Poughkeepsie Little League and is a member of Saint DePorres Parish. He is the definition of one who would give you the shirt off his back, is selfless and always looking to help anyone in need. Scott sets the bar high for going above and beyond as a father, husband, family member, CPR/First Aid Trainer, and community volunteer!

A volunteer since Catholic elementary school, as an adult, Sue has had constant involvement in both business and non-profit volunteer entities from serving as PTA President, to National Business Association speaker to sitting on Boards of Directors. Her current association involvements include fundraising for Animal Rescue Foundation, past President of the New York Auctioneers Association, Hall of Fame and past board member of National Auctioneers Association, American Association of University Women membership treasurer, past President of Poughkeepsie Arlington Rotary, current board member of Fishkill Rotary, Rotary District 7210 service committee member and past district secretary, Fishkill Rural Cemetery Board of Directors, and Southern Dutchess Coalition for Homeless. Sue also serves as an instructor, moderator and committee member for Marist College Center for Lifetime Studies, weekly provider of warm coats in winter for Hope on a Mission, a team leader and Food Drive Coordinator for the Fishkill Food Pantry, and lector & cantor for St. Mary Mother of the Church.

Tom Small served in the United States Marine Corps and continues to serve his community of veterans. He is one of the owners of a local veteran center in New Windsor. He has donated many boxes of clothing from their inventory to both Orange and Dutchess veteran programs. When in a pinch, he has offered up his time to transport veterans if called upon. He has made his building a home to all veterans, through his warm and welcoming demeanor, offering coffee, water, and food. They are in the process of installing a shower in the building that can be used by homeless veterans that otherwise have nowhere else to clean themselves. Every time he speaks with a veteran, whether it be the first time he has met them, or the 100th, he asks them how they are doing and if they need anything. Tom Small is the type of person we all wish we could be. He may have hung up his uniform, but that has not stopped him from serving.

Cara is an outstanding member of our community. She is an amazing 8th grade social studies teacher at Wappinger Junior, constantly motivating and educating her students by using creative and innovative ways to challenge her classes. She is devoted to her students and is also devoted to her community in East Fishkill. She has led and organized many community gatherings catering to all ages, creating a warm and welcoming community and neighborhood. When she is not in her classroom teaching or organizing community events, she is busy coaching young female athletes and helping them learn and love the sport of cheerleading. Cara will find anyway to help those in need and is committed to building a better community. With a remarkable career spanning more than 16 years at Wappingers Junior High, Cara Budd has demonstrated unwavering dedication and passion for teaching U.S. History.

Beyond the classroom, Cara exemplifies the qualities of an exceptional educator. She actively engages with students and fosters a supportive learning environment, motivating students to excel in their studies. Her dedication to the teaching profession extends beyond school hours, as she actively participates in school events, extracurricular activities, and has been the Four Corners Community Events Committee Chairperson for five years.