From community leaders and tenant commissioners to school principals, the City of Peekskill has a lot to be proud of when it comes to celebrating the contributions of African Americans in the community.

The City joined the nation in celebrating Black History Month by honoring six community members at Committee of the Whole on Monday, Feb. 24.

Those recognized are Dawn Benson, Rhonda Getter, Donald Peters, Meredith Ross, Therese Wood-Chang, and Carole Dunkley.

Each honoree was presented with a proclamation by Deputy Mayor Patricia Riley, standing in for Mayor Vivian McKenzie, who was delayed from the airport, Riley noted.

Dawn Benson, a Peekskill Housing Authority (PHA) Tenant Commissioner at Bohlmann Towers, was celebrated for organizing and hosting events throughout the year, including senior luncheons, PHA Family Day, Thanksgiving meals and the Annual Holiday Giving.

Benson also collaborates with Resident Opportunities and Self-Sufficiency  Coordinator Meredith Ross to ensure residents receive comprehensive assistance and support services, Riley said.

Rhonda Getter, a Site Manager for the Senior Nutrition Program in Mount Kisco, worked for the City of Peekskill for 24 years in the Nutrition Department before recently leaving for her new opportunity.

Getter organized many events to help the senior population stay engaged and thrive. Riley said the Senior Prom was a special event which Getter loved attending and interacting with the seniors. She also volunteered at the Back-to-School Rally at the Peekskill Youth Bureau for many years.

Donald Peters, Principal of Peekskill Middle School since 2023, was recognized for making a lasting impact on the lives of students, staff and families, creating a supportive and inspiring environment, and developing innovative programs to ensure each child feels valued and empowered.

Peters has a Bachelor of Science Degree from The George Washington University, a Master’s Degree in Education from Mercy College, and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from the City College of New York.

Peters previously received proclamations from the New York State Senate and the Westchester County Board of Legislators for his exemplary service to the Peekskill community and State of New York. 

Meredith Ross, a Treasurer and Trustee of the United Methodist Church, has led and contributed for multiple community outreach programs, including Chair Yoga, Pancake Breakfast, Meal Preparation for the Jan Peek Shelter and the Community Garden.

Ross also served as a coach and umpire for the Peekskill Lapolla Little League, a Co-Chair for the Relay for Life event in Peekskill and as a Coordinator for Hospitality and Volunteers at the Paramount Center for the Arts 2000 to 2013.

Ross told the Herald she considers herself a behind-the-scenes person, not a public speaker, and said she is thrilled to be recognized.

Upon receiving the proclamation, Ross said, “Peekskill is actually a joyful place to live, but most people don’t know that. But it really is. And if you get yourself involved, there’s a lot of things out there that you could be doing in Peekskill.”

Carole Dunkley, AKA “Butterfli Tia,” was described as an accomplished entrepreneur, philanthropist and community leader with roots in Saint Elizabeth Jamaica. 

Dunkley is the founder and CEO of several businesses and initiatives, including The Unlabelled Awards, The Butterfli Wings Foundation, Fashion Bloc LLC, Peekskill Community Thanksgiving, Peekskill Kids Easter Brunch and Back-to-School Drives.

Honoree Therese Wood-Chang has worked for the Peekskill City School District for over 20 years and is currently an English as a New Language (ESL) teacher and English Language Learners (ELL) teacher.

“From the very first moment I walked in and I saw backpacks walking, those kindergarten kids, their backpacks are bigger than them, I knew I belonged in Peekskill,” she said.

Wood-Chang was described as a global thinker in educating her students and colleagues in the area of diversity, and someone who loves to share her knowledge and love of culture with all.

She is the founder of The Doctor Holloman Scholarship Fund, which helps Peekskill High School seniors attain future goals, and is a member of Zeta Phi Beta’s Nu Psi Zeta Chapter, where she engages in community service and education initiatives.

Wood-Chang has a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from The Ohio State University, a Master of Professional Studies from Manhattanville College in Purchase, New York, in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, and a Master of Science in School Administration and Supervision. 

Quoting Pablo Picasso, Wood-Chang said, “The meaning of life is to find your gift and the purpose of life is to give it away. So I look forward to continuing working with Peekskill City School District to give it away.”