Rotary Club of Herndon-Reston 2026 Citizen of the Year Event Honoring Kurt Rose
The Rotary Club of Herndon-Reston is proud to announce that Kurt Rose has been named the club’s 2026 Citizen of the Year, recognizing his outstanding dedication to strengthening the Herndon and Reston communities through service, leadership, and a passion for helping children succeed. Each year, this cherished Rotary tradition recognizes individuals whose leadership, compassion, and commitment strengthen the fabric of our community. Kurt Rose exemplifies these values through his tireless efforts to improve the lives of children and families across Northern Virginia.
Kurt has long been known as a dedicated civic leader and community volunteer whose service spans numerous local nonprofit and civic causes. Throughout the years, he has consistently stepped forward to support organizations that uplift families, expand opportunities for children, and bring neighbors together. His leadership has included serving on community boards, including the Reston Historic Trust & Museum, where he has helped preserve and celebrate the unique history and culture of Reston.
One of Kurt’s most meaningful contributions has been his work to promote children’s literacy. In 2005, he helped co-launch the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program in the Herndon-Reston area alongside fellow Rotarians. Through this initiative, thousands of local children have received free books each month, fostering early literacy, school readiness, and a lifelong love of reading.
Kurt continues to champion literacy through speaking engagements, Rotary activities, and community outreach. He also founded the nonprofit Ro-Sigle Community Foundation, which raises funds and awareness to support children’s literacy programs and expand access to books for families in need.
In addition to literacy initiatives, Kurt has been a generous volunteer and supporter of many organizations including Kids R First, the South Lakes High School PTSA Food Pantry, the South Lakes and Herndon High School Bands, Cornerstones, the Reston YMCA, and the Reston Museum’s Annual Cardboard Boat Regatta.
As co-founder of Aspen Jewelry Designs in Herndon, Kurt has also used his business as a platform for giving back, supporting charitable fundraisers and community initiatives throughout the region.
His commitment to improving opportunities for children and families reflects the core mission of Rotary—to create lasting change through service, collaboration, and community engagement. Rose’s dedication to literacy, education, and community service embodies Rotary’s guiding principle of "Service Above Self".
The Rotary Club of Herndon-Reston will host a 2026 Citizen of the Year Celebration to honor Kurt Rose and his contributions to the community.
Event Details
2026 Citizen of the Year Celebration Honoring Kurt Rose
Sunday, April 26 | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Reston Community Center
2310 Colts Neck Road
Reston, VA 20191
Registration and tickets:
https://www.eventcreate.com/e/2026-citizen-of-the-year
The COTY event will bring together community leaders, Rotarians, local organizations, and residents to celebrate Rose’s achievements and the positive impact he continues to make throughout the region.
The Rotary Club of Herndon-Reston is part of Rotary International, a global network of more than 1.4 million neighbors, friends, and leaders who volunteer their skills and resources to solve community problems and address humanitarian challenges around the world. The Rotary club is dedicated to improving lives locally and globally through service projects focused on education, health, youth development, the environment and community support. Visit our website and join us! www.HerndonRestonRotary.org
Event Links
Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/3523387-0
