Orange County’s 2024 Citizens of the Year and Community Leaders

In 2024, Orange County celebrated two incredible individuals as Citizens of the Year: Ellen Wessel and Dr. Daniel Hornick. These two outstanding people are dedicated Rotarians who truly live by Rotary’s motto, “Service Above Self.” Their hard work and care for others have made a real difference in our community.

Ellen Wessel, an active member of the Orange Rotary Club, has been a driving force in getting people involved and building a stronger community. She has a way of inspiring others to pitch in and make things better for everyone. Whether it’s through Rotary projects or her everyday efforts, Ellen’s dedication to creating a welcoming and thriving community is nothing short of amazing.
Dr. Daniel Hornick, also a proud Rotarian, is the Superintendent of Orange County Public Schools. He’s been a true leader in improving education for our kids. Through his efforts, not only has the quality of education improved, but partnerships between the schools and the community have grown stronger too. His innovative ideas and focus on helping students succeed show what it means to truly care about the future of Orange County.

But that’s not all that made 2024 special. It was also a banner year for the Orange County Children’s Toy Box, a nonprofit run by Donna Waugh-Robinson, another dedicated Rotarian. The Toy Box helps make sure kids in need have a magical holiday by providing toys and gifts. Thanks to Donna’s leadership and the teamwork of her amazing crew, more children than ever felt the joy of the season. Donna’s passion and her commitment to helping others are a perfect example of Rotary’s spirit of giving back.

As we celebrate the incredible efforts of Ellen, Dr. Hornick, and Donna, we’re reminded of how much good can happen when people step up and care for their community. They’ve set an example that inspires all of us to do more and help each other.

Their work shows what’s possible when leadership, education, and compassion come together. Orange County is lucky to have them, and we can’t wait to build on the foundation they’ve laid for an even brighter future.

Submitted by: Joan McGregor – Public Image Chair