John Jay grad honored for LGBTQ+ advocacy

Thank you to everyone who has helped get me to this point, especially my mother, who has been my number one supporter.”

Cade Schwark

YORKTOWN , N.Y. - In recognition of Pride Month in June, Senator Pete Harckham honored four LGBTQ+ advocates, including recent John Jay High School graduate Cade Schwark, for their exceptional leadership in promoting visibility, understanding and inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community. 

Schwark was recognized alongside Rev. Thomas Stubbs, Ryan Hontz and Laurie Doppman.

“The Hudson Valley’s greatest strength is its diversity, and the LGBTQ+ community is a vital part of that,” said Harckham. “At a time when intolerance continues to rise, it’s more important than ever for allies to stand with LGBTQ+ individuals and celebrate their resilience, achievements, and contributions—like those of these four remarkable community leaders.”

The commemorative ceremony was held on Monday August 11 at the Yorktown United Methodist Church where the honorees received official New York State Senate Proclamations in front of family, friends and community members. (A video of the event is available here.)

Schwark, a recent graduate of John Jay High School, serves as the youth representative on the Westchester LGBTQ+ Advisory Board. As president of his school’s Sexuality and Gender Alliance, Cade advocated passionately for LGBTQ+ students and transgender rights, frequently addressing the school board. His leadership has positively impacted student mental health and reinforced the message that being seen and heard can change lives.

“Thank you to everyone who has helped get me to this point, especially my mother, who has been my number one supporter,” said Cade. “One of my biggest concerns with going away to school was ‘who is going to take my place in Katonah and at John Jay?’, but knowing my community and seeing people around me and seeing you all here today makes me so proud and makes me feel secure in knowing that I’m leaving Westchester in safe hands so thank you all so much.”  

Reverend Thomas Stubbs is the lead pastor at Yorktown United Methodist Church and United Methodist Church of Mount Kisco. He has consistently worked to strengthen the church’s relationship with the LGBTQ+ community—whether by participating in local Pride events or engaging with high school students through community discussions. Stubbs ensures that gender identity and sexual orientation are never barriers to full inclusion within the church.

Ryan Hontz is the Director of Marketing and Communications at the LOFT LGBTQ+ Community Center, where he works to amplify the LOFT’s supportive services for LGBTQ+ residents. As editor of OUTSPOKEN Magazine, the LOFT’s signature publication, Ryan brings authentic LGBTQ+ voices and stories into the spotlight. Through his work he has strengthened the LOFT’s programming, deepened community engagement and uplifted underrepresented voices.

Laurie Doppman, a licensed mental health counselor, has long provided compassionate, client-centered care to individuals of all backgrounds. She serves on the board of CoveCare Center and volunteers actively with Putnam Pride. Recently, she launched “Be Proud! Testimonials”, a photo essay project that highlights LGBTQ+ voices across Putnam County. Through both her professional work and advocacy, Laurie has worked to foster stronger, more inclusive communities where everyone can thrive.

Pride Month, observed each June, honors the strength, resilience, and contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals to the history, culture and progress of the United States.

Article courtesy of the Office of Sen. Pete Harckham.