Orange County, NY

05/19/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/19/2025 12:38

Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus Names Theresa Canfield Citizen of the Month for May

Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus is proud to announce that Theresa Canfield has been selected as May's Citizen of the Month. A dedicated teacher at Warwick Park Avenue Elementary School, Canfield has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to both her students and the community, particularly in support of veterans and their families.

"Theresa's work with our veterans is nothing short of extraordinary," said Neuhaus. "Her students, under her mentorship, have raised significant funds for Wreaths Across America and have participated in countless other events that honor our service members. Theresa has not only taught her students the importance of education, but also the value of community, teamwork, and patriotism."

For several years, Canfield has played a pivotal role in the annual Wreaths Across America event held at the Orange County Veterans Memorial Cemetery. As a tireless fundraiser, she has led the student council at Park Avenue School, raising thousands of dollars annually to ensure that every veteran interred at the cemetery receives a wreath during the holiday season. Under her guidance, the students raised $3,700 in 2024 and exceeded expectations with a $4,100 donation in 2025.

"It's rare in life to meet someone who is truly good, someone who brings real kindness into this not-always-kind world," said David Andryshak of the Orange County Veterans Service Agency, who nominated Canfield. "Theresa not only demonstrates that goodness herself, but she's also passing it on to her students. I've known her for years, and even though we don't see each other often, she always makes me smile. I can't think of anyone more deserving of this honor."

Canfield and her students participate in various local initiatives that support veterans around the County. Her class has been integral to the Trees of Heroes program, where students repair and decorate ornaments to place on the trees at the Veterans Cemetery. They also contribute to the Toys for Military Tots program, in collaboration with the Nam Knights Motorcycle Club, filling a school bus with toys for military families in need.

"Theresa and her students are an inspiration to us all," said Christian Farrell, Director of Orange County's Veterans Service Agency. "Through her efforts, Theresa is teaching her students valuable lessons in empathy, service, and gratitude. She has created an environment where the next generation truly understands the importance of honoring and serving those who served our country."

John Richichi, President of the Nam Knights Motorcycle Club's Orange County Chapter, echoed Farrell's sentiments. "Theresa and her students have been outstanding allies in our mission to honor and support veterans. Her dedication goes far beyond fundraising, as she is helping to instill a deep respect for service and sacrifice in the next generation. Theresa's leadership ensures that our veterans are not forgotten, and that their legacy lives on through the students she inspires every day."

Each year, Canfield's students plan and present an incredibly touching Veterans Day ceremony at Park Avenue Elementary School in Warwick NY. The event is largely student-driven, with students welcoming veterans, presenting speeches, and offering heartfelt thanks for their service. The ceremony concludes with a lunch for the veterans, providing them with an opportunity to connect with the students and be honored for their sacrifices. Canfield, who resides in Montgomery, has a deep personal connection to the veterans' community; her father, a veteran, is interred at the Orange County Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

"Theresa is an unwavering ally to our veterans," Neuhaus said. "Her tireless dedication to the students in her classroom and throughout the community has made a lasting impact. Through her leadership, she and her students have gone above and beyond in honoring and supporting our heroes. She embodies the spirit of service and civic responsibility and has deservedly earned recognition as May's Orange County's Citizen of the Month. On behalf of Orange County residents, especially our veterans, I congratulate and thank Theresa."

For more information, contact Rebecca Sheehan, Assistant to the County Executive, Director of Public Information and Media Relations at 845.291.2700 or [email protected].

To learn more about what County Executive Neuhaus is doing for Orange County, follow Orange County Government and Steven M. Neuhaus on Facebook, @Orange County NY Govt and @steve.neuhaus on Instagram, and @OCGovNY and @SNeuhausOC on X. You can also watch Neuhaus' NeuCast podcasts and Leadership Speaker Series on YouTube.

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Orange County, NY published this content on May 19, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on May 19, 2025 at 18:38 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at support@pubt.io