Presenting the Eclipse Awards Class of 2025 Phil Audibert Heritage keeper Valencia Bailey Guardian angel Crystal Snead Crockett Faith-driven trailblazer Markiana Smith Community builder Ayana B. Thurston Devoted public servant Bernice Washington Empowerment champion

Bernice Washington is a respected community leader and lifelong advocate for education, service, and faith. She has dedicated her life to uplifting others through mentorship, leadership, and volunteer efforts across Orange County and beyond. For more than 20 years, Bernice has worked at the Orange County Department of Social Services, where she recruits foster parents to serve as nurturing foster families, helps parents find employment, and supports programs that enhance the

Markiana T. Smith is a proud graduate of the University of Virginia, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in African and African American Studies. During her time at UVA, she became a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, and was the creative writing director of the Black Monologues. Marki is a dynamic nonprofit leader, community advocate, and strategist with a deep commitment to service, equity, and connection. As the Engagement and Belonging Manager at the Unite

For 30 years, Crystal Snead Crockett has been more than a business owner in Orange County—she has been a symbol of perseverance, purpose, and community. As an African American woman and entrepreneur, she has built a legacy that uplifts others through faith, hard work, and compassion. Crystal began her entrepreneurial journey at just 20 years old. Over three decades, she has employed nearly 20 people, two of whom have gone on to open and successfully operate their own salons.

Valencia B. Bailey is a proud native of Chatham, Virginia, and the youngest of three daughters born to the late Alfonso “Big Al” and Ozella Bennett. She carries forward their legacy of generosity and community care with grace and purpose. Valencia dedicated 28 years to GEICO, serving in multiple departments before retiring. In 2014, she and her husband, Pastor Tommie L. Bailey, founded Good Samaritan Inc., a nonprofit providing food and clothing to individuals and families ac

Ayana Braxton-Thurston, VCA, is a lifelong resident of Orange County with deep roots in community service. Her engagement began in middle school as Youth President of the Orange County NAACP Branch and continued through high school as an intern at the Orange County Free Clinic with the Blue Ridge Virtual Governor’s School. After college, she returned home to continue her dedication to public service and equitable governance. In November 2024, Ayana was appointed Procurement S

Writer/photographer/videographer Phil Audibert has called Orange County home ever since he was eight years old. Something of a jack of all trades (and self admitted master of none), Phil has also been, over the years, a radio News Director, a cattle farmer, an innkeeper, a ski instructor, a musician, and a historical tour guide. But most importantly, Phil has followed a lifelong passion for photography and journalism, both print and broadcast. He focuses his lenses, microphon

Celebrate the Eclipse Awards Class of 2024 A Physician/Musician, a Nurse, a Radio Disc Jockey, a Church volunteer and historian, an...

Theresa Collins Williams embodies the spirit of service and compassion. She also places great importance on preserving and celebrating African American cultural heritage. For 20 years, she has been chair of Blue Run Baptist Church’s Black History Month Program, an educational and celebratory event highlighting the history and talents of church members and guests. She brings history to life, ensuring the younger generation understands and appreciates their roots. At Blue Run B

Alyssa Waller is a passionate, hard-working woman who puts passion and care for others into everything she does. As a mother of two sons, she believes the history of African Americans needs to be passed onto future generations and that African American history is inadequately addressed in our educational system. Black History Month prompts obligatory Black History programs, but the significance of Black History merits deeper inclusion in our curriculum, and rectifying histori

Robert “JD Slade” Wade has served over 50 years as an Orange County radio disc jockey and host on WJMA. At just sixteen, Bob entered the WJMA radio station, expressing his desire to become a disc jockey. Bob recalls that the preparation was far from glamorous. He spent months reading copy into a microphone to work on pronunciation. After persistent effort, Bob finally got his chance to go on air. He has since hosted over 10,000 morning shows across the United States, working

Denise Thompson is the owner of Coopers Cookin and Catering LLC. Her commitment to service is reflected in the events and initiatives she proudly organizes each year. The Annual Community Give Back Day event brings the community together to support and uplift one another. She also uses this event to thank patrons for their continued support throughout the year. Her business celebrates the community with good food and amazing entertainment totally FREE to the public. Denise al

Jennifer, also known as "Wendy" Rivas, is a compassionate and kind individual with a warm and infectious laughter that radiates joy. Her positive energy and uplifting presence leave a lasting impact on everyone she encounters. Known for her exceptional caregiving skills, Wendy consistently goes above and beyond in her role. Her dedication led to her being awarded the 2023 Being Excellent Everyday (BEE) Award by the Nursing Professional Governance Office. This award recognizes

Dena Jennings, D.O. is a luthier, musician, writer, Virginia Master Naturalist, and Internal Medicine physician with certification in Ayurvedic practice. In addition to over 30 years of medical practice, she completed a 4-year apprenticeship in Ontario, Canada, to build gourd instruments of cultures around the world. She and her husband live in Nasons on an organic herb farm and meditation center they lovingly call the Farmashramonastery. There, she practices medicine and cou

Seidah Armstrong is considered a serial entrepreneur. Currently, she owns Sweet Vines Farm Winery, STREAM Bright Educational Services, and Shear Luxe Hair Studios. She is the previous owner of STEM Tot Preschool Academy and the author of ABC’s STEM & Me: An Alphabet Book on STEM Careers. She was also vice president of the government contracting firm Performance Management Services, a middle school principal, a school administrator, and a high school teacher. In 2016, Seidah d