(Left to right) JCI USA President Margo Dirkson, 2016 JCI Philippine-New York President Stevenson van Derodar, and 2023 JCI Philippine New York Individual Vice President Rheanne Lagman-Agpalasin with her son | Contributed
NEW YORK – The JCI-Philippine-New York, Inc. closed out its 2022 year with a big bang, sweeping three major awards at the JCI USA Spring Convention in Nashville, Tennessee, from March 16-18.
JCI Philippine New York, gearing up for its 60th anniversary this year, was named the Most Outstanding Chapter in the Nation and received the Harold A. Marks Memorial Award, the highest achievement a chapter can have in JCI USA.
The second is the Visionary Award, presented annually to the local chapter, which exemplifies the JCI Mission and Vision through innovation against adversity. The award is named after the organization’s 100th year stemming from the vision of its founder, Henry Giessenbier, in the 1910s.
And third, Clarence H. Howard Memorial Award – Most Outstanding Local Organization, presented annually to the most outstanding local chapter organization with the best programming. This award is named in honor of Clarence H. Howard. While President of the St. Louis Chamber, he was a significant contributor to Giessenbier’s success in founding the St. Louis Junior Chamber and JCI USA.
The award is based on the following criteria: a plan of action; individual development programs and results; community development programs and results; international development programs and results; and economic/business development programs and results.
JCI Philippine-New York 59th President
“Wow!! What an unforgettable and proud moment this was,” exclaimed Mary Reggie Rosales-Torrejon, 2022 chapter president and current chairman of the board. “These recognitions are a testament to the chapter’s leadership, hard work, and dedication to serving the local and international community.”
Added Rosales-Torrejon: “These achievements bring pride and honor to JCI Phil-NY local chapter, JCI New York State, and the Filipino-American community who continually support the chapter through the years. These recognitions will undoubtedly inspire others in the community to continue the work toward creating a better future for everyone.”
She also thanked the chapter presidents, lifetimers, JCI sister chapters (internationally and local), alumni, members, family, and friends who helped the chapter succeed.
Stevenson van Derodar, 2016 JCI Philippine New York president, and Rheanne Lagman-Agpalasin, 2023 individual development vice president, received the awards on behalf of the chapter.
“This award (Harold A. Marks Memorial Award) is very prestigious, and I have only seen it received by our very own chapter twice in the last 59 years and a couple of times as the Clarence H. Howard Memorial Awardee, including my very own year as a chapter president in 2016,” van Derodar said.
On being named a Charles Kulp awardee as the Most Outstanding Local President, on behalf of the members, the board of directors issued a statement congratulating Rosales-Torrejon. “We feel incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to work alongside you, and we are grateful for the positive impact you have made on our chapter and its members.”
The board acknowledged her leadership, saying the chapter achieved remarkable success because of her innovative ideas and unwavering commitment to excellence, which inspired them all. “You have shown us what it means to be a true leader, and your efforts have made a significant impact on our community,” the statement said.
The annual convention brought together over 300 local chapters across the United States to celebrate their accomplishments, share their best practices, and collaborate on new initiatives.
In addition to the top awards, JCI USA also recognized its chapter projects such as the Business & Chill (Local Growth and Development Program), Healthy Habits Together (Local Community Empowerment Program – William B. Robertson Award), and the Mental Health Matters (Local Personal Skill Development Program).
Individual members were likewise recognized:
- Mary Torrejon – Most Outstanding Local President (Charles Kulp, Jr. Memorial Award)
- Jaime Torrejon – Most Outstanding Member (John H. Armbruster Memorial Award)
- Skylar Joy Torrejon – JCI USA Youth Spotlight
- Jaime Torrejon – Special Partner Award (Rob Ray Memorial Award)
- Mary Torrejon – 10th Degree Passport to Civic Leadership
- Aprille Aquino – 10th Degree Passport to Civic Leadership
- Stevenson van Derodar – 2022 JCI USA Presidential Medallion
Leading to the celebration of JCI Philippine-New York’s 60th Anniversary Gala and Grand Reunion on September 30, 2023, at the De Mikelle Palazzo in Queens, New York, the chapter will hold pre-celebratory events on May 20, 2023, at 2 p.m. at St. Jean Baptiste, New York, NY; and, on July 22, 2023, 60th Anniversary Concert in New York, NY (venue TBA).
–With a report from Ricky Rillera/PDM
