And the Winners Are … Citizens Honored at Orange County’s Community Conference
This year's Orange County Community Conference, the 26th annual marquee event for the Neighborhood Services Division, was a true celebration of community service. With rolling video cameras, swag giveaways, a red-carpet show (orange, in this case) and live interviews, it was a fitting affair dedicated to the County's unsung heroes.
Community leaders, residents, elected officials, exhibitors, presenters, County employees and volunteers all gathered inside the Orange County Multi-cultural Center in Pine Hills to honor nearly a dozen residents who work diligently to improve the quality of life in Orange County received awards.
Attendees participated in several breakout sessions during which they learned about fraud prevention, neighborhood beautification grants, Artificial Intelligence and several other topics centered around technology. The event concluded with an awards presentation for Citizens of the Year, Vecindario Limpio y Atractivo del Año, and more.
"It's important to recognize residents who do their part to help safeguard the well-being of their communities and make a positive impact on others," said Rose-Nancy Joseph, senior program manager, Community Development & Outreach. "We need their support and engagement to ensure our programs and services meet their needs."
Mayor’s 2024 Distinguished Citizen of the Year
Muriel Jones Bank, an advocate for her 33-year-old son who has more than one health diagnosis, helps other parents and caregivers navigate the healthcare system. For 12 years, she served as the executive director for the Federation of Families of Central Florida, an organization that provides support, education and advocacy to parents/caregivers of children experiencing an emotional, behavioral or mental health need.
Otros premiados fueron:
- Monica Harris Spires Excellence in Leadership – Kourtney Dinkins-Ackah
- Excellence in Community Building Projects – Lake Opal Estates/Jarette Schofield
- Excellence in Neighborly Service – Spring Isle HOA Social Committee
- Clean & Attractive Neighborhood (CAN) of the Year – Pine Hills Community Council
Ciudadanos Distinguidos del Año por Distrito:
District 1 – Hope Massey
Massey founded Hope Along the Way, a nonprofit organization that has provided food for more than 1,000 residents and health fairs for 200 residents. It also provides residents with hygiene products, clothing for job interviews, resume services, mental health referrals and scholarships.
District 2- Pastor Mike and Diane Bardwell
Pastor Mike and Diane Bardwell have been fixtures in the Lockhart community for several decades. In addition to raising six children and taking care of residents' spiritual needs, Mike is an active champion of cleaning up corridors in town.
District 3- Mildred Hernandez Crespo
Crespo organizes and manages a program that provides nutritious meals to seniors, ensuring they have access to lunch on a regular basis. This initiative addresses a critical need among the elderly population, offering them not only sustenance but also a sense of community.
District 4- Hector Bertran
For more than 20 years, Bertran worked as a traffic engineer for Orange County, where he listened to residents' concerns and implemented thoughtful traffic solutions, thus helping make neighborhoods safer and more connected. Bertran passed away in October.
District 5 – The Wedgefield Action Alliance
The Wedgefield Action Alliance was created out of a need to help residents within the Wedgefield community. It provided a platform for residents to share concerns regarding water quality issues and rates.
District 6 – Nicholas Solomon
Solomon is the founder and executive director of the King Solomon Foundation. He has contributed countless hours over the past 16 years toward mentoring, developing and motivating at-risk youth in Orange County through several programs he implemented.
