Warwick Rotary Club Honors Five Community Members

The annual celebration recognized local leaders for their service and lifetime achievements at The Landmark Inn.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Awards

Bold vector editorial illustration of a brass medallion on wood, signifying community recognition and volunteer service awards. — The Warwick Valley Rotary Club recognized five local residents for their civic leadership and lifetime contributions during an annual community celebration. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Warwick Valley Rotary Club held its Citizen of the Year celebration to honor five individuals for their significant contributions to the community. These residents were selected for the awards based on nominations submitted by members of the public.

Why it matters

The awards highlight the volunteerism and civic engagement that sustain community life in Warwick. By celebrating these contributions, the event encourages continued public service and leadership within the local area.

Five local residents were honored during the ceremony, including two recipients aged 99 who received Lifetime Achievement Awards. The event also featured Michael Sweeton, who has served as master of ceremonies for 19 consecutive years.

The players

Michael Newhard

He is the mayor of the Village of Warwick who was named the 2026-2027 Citizen of the Year.

Michael Sweeton

He is a long-standing community figure who served as the master of ceremonies for the event for the 19th consecutive year.

Donna Benson

She is a former Orange County Clerk who received an Outstanding Community Service Award.

Evelyn Card

At age 99, she was one of two honorees to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Donald McFarland

He is a 99-year-old community member who was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

The details

The ceremony at The Landmark Inn saw Michael Newhard named the 2026-2027 Citizen of the Year, while Donna Benson and Robbie Jacobs earned Outstanding Community Service Awards. Additionally, Evelyn Card and Donald McFarland were recognized with Lifetime Achievement Awards, and proceeds from the gala supported the PolioPlus project.

Donna Benson served as Orange County Clerk from 1998 to 2013.
Michael Newhard began his tenure as Village of Warwick Mayor in 2001.
The award celebration took place on October 21, 2026.

Culture Shift

Local award ceremonies like this one reflect a growing trend of prioritizing grassroots recognition over globalized media accolades. By funneling event proceeds into the PolioPlus project, the Warwick chapter bridges the gap between hyper-local volunteerism and global charitable impact.

Residents can participate in future award cycles by submitting nominations for community members who demonstrate exemplary service. These events also provide an opportunity for locals to engage directly with charitable initiatives like PolioPlus at a neighborhood level.

The takeaway

Recognizing civic leaders fosters a stronger sense of connection and shared purpose among local residents. Implementing a regular nomination process can ensure that unsung community contributors are consistently acknowledged for their work.