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Chester academy students receive sojourner truth awards

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Chester academy students receive sojourner truth awards

Twenty-five students from Chester Academy received the Sojourner Truth Awards from
SUNY Orange during a ceremony on March 7 the SUNY Orange Middletown campus.

The Sojourner Truth Awards are presented to students who exemplify academic excellence and additional achievements in the arts, athletics, citizenship and more. Students are nominated for the awards by faculty and administration from their schools. The goal of this initiative is to inspire students to continue their education and view university as an obtainable goal.

“I am incredibly honored to receive the Sojourner Truth Award, not just once, but twice,” said
Chloe Fana, a student at Chester Academy. “This award serves as a reminder of the
importance of perseverance and impact we can make on our communities. I’m grateful for the
opportunities that have shaped me and for the support of those who have guided me along the
way. This recognition motivates me to continue striving for excellence and inspiring others to do
the same.”

For over 30 years, SUNY Orange has paid tribute to Sojourner Truth’s legacy by recognizing the accomplishments of young people locally. Sojourner Truth was a prominent figure during movements for women's rights and the abolishment of slavery in the 1800s in the Hudson Valley.

Here are the 2025 Sojourner Truth Award recipients and the areas of study and/or qualities for which they were recognized.

Chester Academy High School

  • Ocean Chen, Sciences
  • Brandon Collins, Perseverance/Effort
  • Chloe Fana, Citizenship
  • Avinoor Grang, Sciences
  • Jordan Holley, Perseverance/Effort
  • Annsthemie Joachim, Perseverance/Effort
  • Aaliyah Johnson, Perseverance/Effort
  • Aidan Lyman, Perseverance/Effort
  • Kayleen Matos, Perseverance/Effort
  • Michael Niles, Perseverance/Effort
  • Krisha Patel, Citizenship
  • Makayla Pena, Perseverance/Effort
  • Jaylynn (Nico) Penny Bergenty, Perseverance/Effort
  • Natalie Perez Santiago, English Language Arts
  • Yari Reinoso, Perseverance/Effort
  • April Restrepo, Perseverance/Effort
  • Sarahlyn Sampayo Garcia; Citizenship
  • Avery Solitario, Athletics

Chester Academy Middle School

  • Jonah Boma, Creative Arts
  • Surilyn Cespedes, Perseverance/Effort
  • Mikaela Colindres, Perseverance/Effort
  • Jaylin Foss, Sciences
  • Maya Francis, Sciences
  • Clarence Parchment, Citizenship
  • Kh’Alonzo Salmon, Perseverance/Effort
Admin and city officals smiling for the camera.
Maple Avenue building transfer complete

Yesterday marked the official closing on the transfer of ownership of the Maple Avenue Building to Orange County.

This milestone reflects a vision shaped by our community’s input, the leadership of the CUFSD Board of Education and Administration, and the collaborative work of the Maple Avenue Task Force in determining the best long-term solution for the building. Formed last year to ensure diverse perspectives were represented, the Task Force included members of the Chester Historical Society, Kiwanis, Parent Advisory Panel, local residents, alumni, and representatives from both the Town and Village of Chester.

Read More about Maple Avenue building transfer complete