An evening to honor leadership, celebrate impact, and invest in our shared future.

August 2, 2026

6:00PM - 9:00PM

The George Washington Hotel
Winchester, Virginia

6:00PM |  Start of Ceremonies

Welcome and Introduction | Kendallee Walker, Reaching Out Now, Inc

Pledge of Allegiance | Samuel Barber, YES Leadership Alumni

Opening Remarks | Joe and Samantha Barber, Reaching Out Now, Inc

Special Birthday Celebration | Brenden McHugh, Friend of RON, Royal Examiner Reporter 

Prayer | Pastor John Miller, Abundant Life Church

6:30PM | Buffet Opens

A Message on Volunteering & Presentation Harlee Anne Hire Athletic Scholarship  | Steve & Christie Sibert, Reaching Out Now, Inc.

A Message on Empowerment & First Responder Award | Sina May & Marlena Conner, Reaching Out Now, Inc. 

Student Leadership Message | Marie Coffron, Iris Shrader, YES Leadership Program

A Message on Service & Entrepreneur Award | Video from devin & Teketia Smith, Joe Barber & Missy Schlafman, Reaching Out Now, Inc. 

Student Leadership Message | Aniyah Waters & Adisyn Waters, YES Leadership Program

A Message on Leadership,  Service Above Self Award & Beacon in Education Award | Ken Knesh & Kendallee Walker, Reaching Out Now, Inc.

8:00PM | Special Presentations

Special Community Presentation – Warren County Habitat for Humanity, Andrea Ross & Members of Habitat Board of Directors, Warren County PAL Program, Sheriff Crystal Cline, Krista Beahm | Lisa Look, Yolanda Barbier-Gibson, Samuel Barber, Reaching Out Now, Inc.

HOPE Awards | Joe and Samantha Barber, Reaching Out Now, Inc.

Emerging Leadership Award | Joe and Samantha Barber & Steve Sibert, Reaching Out Now, Inc.

Special Award | Jenelle Harris, Founder/CEO, She Exist Magazine

A Message to our Students | Honorable Former Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, Introduction – Kendallee Walker, Reaching Out Now, Inc.

Legacy Award | Philip Vaught,  Reaching Out Now Board of Directors, & Video by Mrs. Lillian Sloan

8:40PM | Special Awards

Volunteer of the Year, Students of the Year, & Youth Service Awards, & Harlee Anne Hire Service Award | Missy Schlafman, Marlena Conner & Samantha Barber, Reaching Out Now, Inc.

Certificate Award Presentations  | Missy Schlafman, Marlena Conner & Samantha Barber, Reaching Out Now, Inc.
– Volunteer Awards
– Outstanding Attendance
– Outstanding Academics 
– Program & Outstanding Participants Award
– Program Completion

9:00PM | End of Program

First Responder
LIEUTENANT MARC RAMEY

Our First Responder honoree is an individual who serves in a first responder capacity (fire, medical, law enforcement) and has gone above and beyond in this role and their greater role as a mentor and advocate for those they serve. This year’s awardee is Lieutenant Marc Ramey of the Warren County Sheriff’s Department.

Lieutenant Marc Ramey has dedicated nearly two decades to public service and law enforcement.

He began his career as a communications officer in 2007 before attending the police academy in 2012. Throughout his career, he has served as a communications officer, patrol officer, and criminal investigator. He currently serves as a Lieutenant with the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, where he oversees the Criminal Investigations Division and Drug Task Force operations. Lieutenant Ramey is also a graduate of the 109th Session of the Virginia Forensic Science Academy.

In addition to his leadership responsibilities, Lieutenant Ramey serves as a Task Force Affiliate with the Northern Virginia/DC Metro Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. In this role, he investigates crimes involving the online exploitation of children by conducting undercover operations, and collaborating with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to help protect our children and bring offenders to justice. It has become Lieutenant Ramey’s passion to work alongside prosecutors across the commonwealth to ensure those who exploit or victimize children are held fully accountable for their crimes.

Outside of his professional career, Marc is a devoted husband to his wife, Lacey, and a proud father of two sons. He is deeply committed to serving his community both on and off duty. In his free time, he enjoys coaching Little League Baseball and High School Football, spending time with his family, and collecting sports cards and sports memorabilia.

Entrepeneur OF THE YEAR
MATTHEW ROSARIO

This award goes to an business owner in our community, who works tirelessly in building their business while also supporting those around them. This year’s awardee is Dr. Matthew Rosario of ClearHorizon Forensic and Counseling Group.

Dr. Matthew M. Rosario, a proud native of Brooklyn, New York, is a dedicated professional with a passion for psychology and criminal justice. His journey is one of resilience and determination.

He embarked on his academic journey at Liberty University, where he earned his Bachelor of Psychology degree in 2015, laying the foundation for his illustrious career. Driven by a commitment to understanding the complexities of human behavior within the realm of law and order, Dr. Rosario pursued advanced education, obtaining a Master’s in Forensic Psychology from Southern New Hampshire University. He further honed his expertise with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University and culminated his academic pursuits with a Doctorate of Psychology from the University of Arizona, specializing in Criminology and Justice Studies.

Dr. Rosario’s service to his country is exemplary, having served in the United States Navy from 2013 to 2021. During his tenure, he demonstrated exceptional leadership and versatility, deploying in various capacities and ultimately serving as an Executive Assistant to the Director of Global Integration and Engagement for the Chief of Naval Operations at the Pentagon.

With a diverse skill set and unwavering dedication, Dr. Rosario is a Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Provider, Sex Offender Treatment Provider, and Licensed Professional Counselor, and certified in multiple modalities, showcasing his commitment to addressing critical issues within the community. His expertise extends to forensic therapy, where he serves as the state’s leading juvenile evaluator for the Department of Juvenile Justice, offering invaluable insights and recommendations for rehabilitation and reintegration.

Dr. Rosario’s impact extends far beyond counseling, encompassing a multifaceted approach for the whole person.Through his strategic initiatives and unwavering dedication, Dr. Rosario serves as a catalyst for positive change in the mental health landscape, facilitating access to vital resources and opportunities for those in need.

Service Above Self
Nichole Johns

The Service Above Self Award goes out to an individual who puts their time and talents into serving others, oftentimes even before their own needs. This year the honor goes to Nichole Johns of Warren County Department of Social Services.

Fueled by faith and a lifelong love for her hometown, Nichole Johns has dedicated her life to uplifting others. As a Program Coordinator at Warren County Social Services and the secretary for the House of Hope and Vice President for Hope and Rest Temporary Shelter, Nichole’s mission centers on bringing hope, dignity, and stability to our local homeless friends. Deeply committed to grassroots service, she also volunteers her time with various local organizations to strengthen the community. She is incredibly proud to serve and protect the most vulnerable residents in the community where she grew up and raised her own family. Above all her professional achievements, Nichole anchors her life in her faith, her 21-year marriage to her wonderful husband Robbie, and her three children.

Beacon in education
Vince Gregg

This award recognizes an educator who goes far beyond the classroom to inspire, uplift, and impact the lives of their students and school community. Whether through mentorship, innovation, or unwavering support, this individual shines as a guiding light—igniting curiosity, confidence, and hope in the next generation. This year’s Beacon in Education award goes to Vince Gregg, Principal at the Blue Ridge Technical Center.

Vince grew up in Frederick County, VA and graduated from the University of Virginia in 2005. He went on to earn a master’s degree in education and began teaching social studies at Skyline High School in 2008. After four years in the classroom, Vince transitioned into administration as dean of students at Skyline, where he worked until moving to Warren County High School as an assistant principal in 2021. Two years later, Vince became principal of the Blue Ridge Technical Center where he currently serves. Vince considers himself truly blessed to have spent nearly 20 years working with the wonderful students and staff of WCPS!

Hope In Education
Danelle Sperling

The HOPE in Education Award honors an outstanding educator, school leader, staff member, or educational partner whose unwavering commitment to students and families embodies the spirit of hope. Through compassion, innovation, advocacy, and collaboration, this individual or organization creates opportunities for every child to succeed, strengthens school-community partnerships, and inspires others to believe in the power of education to transform lives.

Danelle S. Sperling, Ed.S., has dedicated almost three decades to supporting children, families, and individuals with disabilities through education, advocacy, and community service. She currently serves as Director of Special Services for Warren County Public Schools, where she leads special education programs and supports inclusive opportunities for students with disabilities across the school division.

During her nearly 20 years with Warren County Public Schools, Danelle has served as a special education teacher, department chair, elementary school principal, high school principal, and division-level administrator. Throughout her career, she has remained committed to creating environments in which every young person is valued, challenged, and empowered to reach their full potential.

Danelle holds an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership with Special Education emphasis, a master’s degree in Special Education, and a bachelor’s degree in Music Therapy. Her community service has been recognized through honors including the Rotarian Award for Excellence in Educating Youth and designation as a Paul Harris Fellow. She believes deeply in the power of strong relationships, inclusive communities, and service to help young people thrive.

Hope for Community Advocacy
Philip Vaught

The HOPE in Community Advocacy Award recognizes an individual, organization, or community partner whose leadership and service exemplify the power of hope in action. Through meaningful advocacy, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to serving others, this honoree builds stronger communities, expands opportunities for children and families, and advances Reaching Out Now’s mission of creating lasting, positive change through partnership and collective impact.

Philip Vaught is a real estate professional, developer, and community advocate whose work reflects a long-term vision for Front Royal and Warren County.

A graduate of the University of Virginia, Philip is an even prouder graduate of Warren County Public Schools. After returning home, he began his real estate career in 2013 and has since become a top-producing Realtor. His work has expanded beyond sales to include residential construction, land development, property revitalization, and community-focused redevelopment.

Much of Philip’s work is built through partnerships. He works with his brother through Vaught Homes on residential construction and land development. He has also partnered with Shelly Cook to form a locally focused real estate company offering brokerage, new construction, development, renovation and community revitalization projects. Shelly, a past Entrepreneur of the Year award recipient, shares his servant-hearted approach to business and faith-centered community involvement. Through these partnerships and other local ventures, Philip has helped create housing opportunities, restore overlooked properties, and advance projects that strengthen Front Royal and Warren County.

Philip’s approach to development is guided by the belief that growth should serve a greater purpose. He is especially passionate about projects that combine responsible investment with housing, economic opportunity, historic revitalization, and improved quality of life.

Philip serves on the Warren County Educational Endowment and has been appointed to the board of the Northern Shenandoah Valley Community Foundation. He also works alongside the Warren Coalition to acquire and renovate homes for individuals recovering from substance misuse. In addition, he is an advocate for various local churches, nonprofits, educational initiatives, and community-based projects who he believes are working to improve Front Royal. 

He is especially an enthusiastic supporter Reaching Out Now, who he believes is at the forefront of that vision of a better version of Warren County. 

Above all, Philip seeks to grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ and considers his faith the center of his life. Christ is the reason behind his work and his desire to serve others. Whether helping a family find a home, building a neighborhood, revitalizing a property, supporting a local organization, or collaborating with others who share a hopeful vision, Philip strives to use his experience and relationships to make a lasting impact on the community he is proud to call home.

Emerging Leadership
Joey Mitchell

The Emerging Leadership Award is a special award that is given out to a young person who is stepping into the role of leadership in their community.  Through service, new ideas, and passion they are uplifting those around them.

Joey Mitchell is currently in his senior year at Shenandoah University where he is studying Criminal Justice, and pitches for the Hornets Baseball Team. After graduation he is looking to pursue a career in law enforcement at his home in Fairfax County. 

Lillian sloane legacy
mary anne biggs

The Lillian Slone Legacy Award goes out to an individual who has dedicated their lifetime to change, support, and make our community a better place. This year’s awardee is Mrs. Mary Anne Biggs, a retired teacher, administrator, and philanthropist who has been working in her communities for over 55 years.

Mary Anne is a career educator who served as a teacher at John Handley High School, Principal of Johnson Williams Middle School in Clarke County, and retired as Assistant Superintendent of Rappahannock County Public Schools.

Her board service included terms at Northwestern Community Services, Community Foundation of the Northern Shenandoah Valley, House of Hope, Samuels Public Library, Headwaters Foundation, Warren County Educational Endowment, Family Futures, and Little Angels Daycare.

Upon retirement, she and her husband have volunteered in many community efforts including St. Luke Community Clinic, House of Hope, and the Backpack Program.

Mary Anne is humbled and honored to receive this award and has been a longtime admirer of the incredible work of Lillian Sloane.

Brielle Bryner

Marie Coffron

Madison Jessee

Elijah Roberts

Iris Shrader

Adisyn Waters

Aniyah Waters

Abigail Guiliani

Brookelyn Jeffries

Wynter Lease

Shyann Siers

Thank you for each of our event sponsors for helping bring this beautiful evening together. We are so appreciative of your time and energy given in supporting our communities.

DAH Cuisines

The George Washington Hotel

The Ivy Chest Floral and Decor

Memories Engraving Plus

ReWed Bridal

Summit Events

Toy Box Studios

Former Lieutenant governor winsome Earle-Sears

Mrs. Sears is a remarkable leader whose life story is a testament to faith, perseverance, service, and the limitless possibilities of the American Dream.

The Honorable Winsome Earle-Sears served as the 42nd Lieutenant Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, making history as the first woman, first Black woman, first naturalized citizen, and first female veteran ever elected to statewide office in Virginia’s history.

Born in Kingston, Jamaica, and immigrating to the United States as a young child, she embraced the opportunities afforded by this great nation and dedicated her life to serving others. Her journey is one of extraordinary courage and determination—a journey that began with a family seeking a better future and led to the halls of state leadership.

Before entering public office, she honorably served our nation in the United States Marine Corps, where she developed the discipline, resilience, and leadership skills that would guide her throughout her distinguished career. She later became a successful business owner, educator, community advocate, and public servant, always guided by a deep commitment to faith, family, and freedom.

Mrs. Earle-Sears often shares how her grandmother’s prayers and spiritual guidance helped shape her life. Her Christian faith has remained the foundation of her leadership and the source of her strength through every challenge and every victory. Whether speaking about public service, personal responsibility, or the future of our nation, she consistently points people back to the importance of prayer, moral courage, and trusting God’s direction.

Her life is also a beautiful example of partnership and family. Since 1986, she has been married to Marine Corps Lieutenant Terence Sears, and together they have raised three daughters while building a life centered on service, sacrifice, and devotion to their community.

Earle-Sears settled in the Norfolk area and continued serving her community through her work in directing a women’s homeless shelter and leading a men’s prison ministry. She earned an associate degree from Tidewater Community College, a bachelor’s degree in English from Old Dominion University in 1992, and a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Regent University in 2003. In 2001 she won election to a single two-year term representing a district comprising the cities of Chesapeake, Norfolk and Virginia Beach in the House of Delegates. Earle-Sears served on the Advisory Committee on Women Veterans for the Department of Veterans Affairs. An advocate for the power of education to improve lives, she was appointed to the State Board of Education in 2011, and was elected its vice president in 2014. In her historic race for lieutenant governor of Virginia, Earle-Sears, who also owned and operated a business in Winchester, campaigned on issues related to education, criminal justice and veterans affairs. Winning election in 2021, Earle-Sears became the first woman elected lieutenant governor and the first Black woman and female veteran to hold statewide office in Virginia.

She Exist Magazine
JEnelle harris

Jenelle Harris is the Founder and Publisher of She Exist Magazine, an executive media platform dedicated to celebrating women, amplifying impactful stories, and honoring leaders making a difference in their communities.

Through She Exist Magazine, Jenelle created a platform that recognizes extraordinary women through meaningful awards and honors, celebrating their leadership, resilience, and contributions to their communities.

Her mission is to shine a light on women whose work creates impact, inspires others, and builds a legacy for future generations.

Lillian Sloane

Born and raised in Linden, VA, Lillian grew up in a loving home with her parents, two sisters and an older brother. You guessed it, “she was the youngest”.

She attended a one room elementary school where she spent a lot of time helping the underclass members and listening to upper class member’s classes. She went on to attend Manassas Industrial High School in Manassas, VA. This was a boarding school for her because she lived too far out to commute.

Upon completing high school, Lillian attended Virginia State College graduating in the class of 1948.

She went on to start her teaching career in the fall of that year. She completed a total of 32 years in Warren County and 5 years in Fauquier County for a total of 37 years.

Lillian is a mother of two daughters, Sheila Smith (Robert), Debra Beasley (Ron), Grands Devin (Teketia), Cori (Rodney), Chase, Linden, Great grands, Jadelyn, Will and Kaleb and a Widow of Mr. Pete for 23 years.

Her service to the community during the years includes: Charter member of the Blue Ridge Arts Council, Beautification Club of Front Royal, Board of Zoning Appeals for 17 years for the Town of Front Royal, Director of Osage Street playground, and member of the Salvation Army Board. She is currently a member of Front Royal United Methodist Church, a Diamond member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and a Lay speaker at the United Methodist Church.

HARLee ANNe HiRe

Harlee Anne Hire “Hah” entered fully into the presence of our Lord on Wednesday, May 11, 2022. Harlee was born August 31, 2005 in Ridgecrest, CA; she was only 16. In 2014 Harlee, her parents (Brian & Toby) and siblings (Madelynn, Alexa & Otto) made Front Royal, VA, their home.

It did not matter how old Harlee was or which coast she was on, her laughter, smile and antics were sure to catch your attention. Her contagious smile and whole body laughs brought joy to those around her.

Harlee started playing softball shortly after moving to VA. She played for Little League, Fire, Unity, and Skyline High School. She loved the game so much that she was willing and could play almost every position on the field very well . Harlee’s favorite positions to play were catcher and shortstop.

Harlee managed to letter in tennis her freshman year at Skyline High School. This only took place because of a “contract” she made with her Dad to get a nose ring. Meeting the almost impossible demands of this contract is just one example of Harlee’s tenacity. This served her well on and off the field. She did get the nose ring.

Harlee was a certified welder. After completing welding at Blue Ridge Technical Center, she took her certification test. She loved welding. It was definitely the highlight of her day, if she wasn’t playing softball. She even helped fabricate and weld a vehicle for the Shenandoah Valley Electric Grand Prix with the BRTC team. She expected welding would become her career as well as her passion.

Harlee Anne volunteered with multiple organizations. Her favorites were Reaching Out Now and Abundant Life Church. Harlee began helping deliver meals with Reaching Out Now even before she had her driver’s permit. She also helped RON with multiple events and was in their Girl of Destiny Leadership Program. At Abundant Life, her favorite way to volunteer was to help with child care. She also attended CRAVE student ministry at Abundant Life Church in Stephens City.

Hah loved a good time: random dance parties, singing at the top of her lungs, playing in the rain, mud or snow. You knew how competitive she was and how big of a heart she had for littles if you ever played kickball or wiffle ball with her in a driveway, on a street or at The Farm. She liked her room to be clean and everything to look pretty. She was an athlete to the core. Harlee has participated in organized leagues of flag football, tackle football, soccer, cheer and of course softball.

Harlee loved working at both Abundant Life Day Care and Checkers. She loved to travel and any adventure. She loved smiles and hugs and made sure to include as many people in her “good time” as possible.

Harlee is missed beyond measure. What comfort we find is found in knowing she is seated with Jesus and we will see her in eternity. #doinit4uhah 

Thank you for helping us on our path forward.