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youth recognition dinner

Youth Recognition event a time to enjoy, be proud and feel good about thinking of others

By Joanne Beck

There’s one evening each year that parents enjoy because it highlights the efforts of their children, and that youth and school leaders proudly attend because it’s an opportunity to boast a bit about the talents, kindness, volunteer and myriad other contributions that students have made to their communities.

And finally, it’s an evening that kids can feel good about by being given the spotlight for those who, as Board President Paul Osborn says, “shared the love and compassion with their hearts to benefit others.”

“This community is truly blessed. Our future is bright with the youth you see before you. If you look at the back of your program, you all exemplify these characteristics as an honor to be a part of the youth board and serve with individuals who share a passion for a community, and, most importantly, our youth. Tonight, I am confident we leave here knowing there is hope and promise for the future because of those recognized here,” Osborn said during Thursday’s youth recognition banquet. “So, all those recognized here tonight, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to you and all those who have supported your efforts. I would especially like to acknowledge the parents, the guardians and extended families of the youth recipients. I'm sure you are proud, and rightfully so. But you all need to be commended for providing the guidance and care that has prompted these youth to rise to a level deserving of recognition.

“I would also like to thank the families and spouses and significant others of our adult award recipients for their unselfish willingness to share your loved ones who provide a great service to our youth and community,” he said. “So thank you all for coming and sharing this moment to recognize all the recipients this evening.”

There were 25 youths presented with youth recognition awards. They are:

  • Brecken Capone
  • Caris Carlson
  • Mary Engelhardt
  • Katelynn Everett
  • Gabrielle Graff
  • Mary Grimes
  • Lily Haacke
  • Aubrey Hamm
  • Kaelee Kelso
  • Alaina Manges
  • Kathryn McClellan
  • Arianna McLaughlin
  • Maggie Monachino
  • Brenna Munn
  • Evelyn Northrup
  • Cesia Murillo Rios
  • Lauren Reimer
  • Olivia Walton
  • Maia Zerillo

Another six students received Winter Storm Elliott awards for their selfless service to others during that wintry blast and dumped several inches of wind-drifted snow on Genesee County Dec. 22-Dec.25, 2022.

Elba School Superintendent Gretchen Rosales spoke about the winter storm that “I’m sure we all remember with great fondness,” she joked. Of course, that was the long Christmas weekend that began with a bang that forced the city of Batavia and Genesee County to close and then followed by the closure of the Thruway.

“I had six students who gave up their own time, our schools as opened as a warming shelter, and I do believe that it is because of those students in the Elba Fire Department that lives are saved,” Rosales said. “And so this is a profound recognition of those students. When the rest of the community was stranded, these young individuals left the comfort and warmth of their homes to save others’ lives. During the storm, each of them went to the school to provide blankets, serve meals, set up cots for sleeping, kept strangers company, checked on the well-being of others, and even put on movies for children who were spending Christmas away from home.”

She went on to state the other good deeds they do on a regular basis: shoveling out hydrants and plowing driveways and sidewalks, while quietly going about their work.

“When not contending with an epic storm event, these students dedicate between five and 15 hours each week to our fire department to engage in training to respond to calls alongside their adult counterparts. They render first aid to accident victims, fight fires and provide emergency response in medical situations,” Rosales said. “These young adults represent what is good about our youth. They are fine examples for everyone, no matter their age. They are athletes. They have part-time jobs, and they are on the honor roll.”

Perhaps most important to note, is that their bravery and selflessness are “commendable beyond measure,” she said. Rosales then called them up for their awards:

  • Ayden Esten
  • Garrett Heale
  • Emily Hoag
  • Abigail Russell
  • Joey Schnitzer
  • Colton Walczak

Two adults were also recognized for their contributions to youth — Youth Worker of the Year went to Robert “Bob” Swanson, and Volunteer of the Year went to Kathy Zipkin and Tilly, her gentle four-legged sidekick.

SOAR Director Christine spoke about Zipkin’s positive influence on children’s reading work in their city schools. Beyond school work, however, there has been so much gained from the social and emotional connections made through sweet Tilly.

“So in terms of emotional regulation, in terms of support, in terms of compassion and love, and providing that, that calm no judgment zone, we are so grateful to have Kathy as part of our district, and we are so grateful to have Tilly as well — it literally is part of the best part of my week as well,” Merle said. “So we're amazed and appreciative she's willing and able to spend a day and a half each week with our students at Batavia, although the students may come down to see Tilly, their interactions with Kathy are just as important. Her years as a teacher in our district have given her the knowledge, experience and understanding needed to work with our kids and we're very grateful for that.”

Robert Swanson, better known by kids at Agri-Business Child Development as Bob the Builder, has worked there for more than 10 years as a maintenance man, but award presenter Elizabeth Ormsby said, “he’s much more than that.”

“He goes above and beyond his job duties and truly integrates himself into many different areas of the program. He works closely with all the administrators, teachers, children and families. He has become a father figure to many of us workers. I call him my work dad. But he’s a strong male role model for the children in the center as well,” Ormsby said. “Bob remembers all of the children's names and comes in and has conversations with them every day. You know when Bob is in the building because you hear all the children cheering, ‘Bob is here, Bob is here.’ Since he has maintenance, he spends a lot of time fixing things. So many of the children have started to call him Bob the Builder. He will come and read stories to our classrooms. And during the holidays, he likes to dress up festive for the children.

“Bob has also volunteered his time to create, in partnership with families and children, our vegetable garden on our playground. The produce is harvested and given to families or cooked here at our center,” she said. “Anything a family needs, he is there to assist them, whether to blow up a flat tire in the parking lot, helping with moving or donating food. He is such an asset to the team, but especially to our children and our families.”

Osborn also gave well-deserved kudos to an outgoing Youth Board member, for most years serving as president, Jay Lazarony. During his 26-year service on the board, "Jay has been a mainstay in the field of youth services," Osborn said. Known as Mr. Laz by the youth he impacted over the years, Lazarony was not only an idea guy but also helped to bring them to reality, such as by designing a mini park, picking out plants, determining the mulch and size of picnic tables. He developed the GLOW With Your Hands program, and thousands of kids have stretched their potential as a result, Osborn said.

"Our youth have been blessed. Thank you for your time and efforts, and most of all, your love for the youth in the community, Mr. Laz."

Photos by Howard Owens.

Youth Recognition Dinner set for April 13 at Terry Hills

By Press Release

Press release:

On Thursday, April 13, the Genesee County Youth Board will sponsor their 27th annual Youth Recognition Dinner at Terry Hills Restaurant & Banquet Facility. Twenty-five young people will be honored for their commitment to community service and/or their impressive role within their families. Additionally, the dinner will recognize an Adult Youth Worker and an Adult Youth Volunteer.

The following young people will be recognized for their outstanding service in the community and/or family: Brecken Capone, Caris Carlson, Mary Engelhardt, Katelynn Everett, Gabrielle Graff, Mary Grimes, Lily Haacke, Aubrey Hamm, Kaelee Kelso, Alaina Manges, Kathryn McClellan, Arianne McLaughlin, Maggie Monachino, Brenna Munn, Evelyn Northrup, Cesia Murillo Rios, Lauren Reimer, Olivia Walton and Maia Zerillo.

The following six youths are recipients of the Winter Storm Elliot Award, a recognition of a special group of young people who helped their community during a blizzard: Ayden Esten, Garrett Heale, Emily Hoag, Abigail Russell, Joey Schnitzer and Colton Walczak.

Robert Swanson is receiving the Adult Youth Worker Award from his colleague at Agri-Business Child Development Center for his countless hours going above and beyond expectations. “Bob the Builder,” as the youth at the center call him, provides a very caring and strong male role model for all. He is well respected retired veteran who is a huge asset to the team, but especially to the children and families of the center.

Kathryn Zipkin and her therapy dog, Tilly, are co-receiving the Adult Youth Volunteer Award for exhibiting exemplary dedication and commitment to the Batavia City School District. Kathryn and Tilly help young people learn emotional regulation to ensure successful focus in learning throughout the day. Their countless hours spent volunteering alongside the youth in the Batavia City School District are a valued and memorable service.

Registration and refreshments will begin at 5 PM, with the program and dinner following at 6 PM. Seating is limited, and your prompt reply ensures our ability to include you. If you are interested in attending the banquet, contact the Genesee County Youth Bureau at (585) 344-3960 no later than March 24, 2023. We’re excited to recognize these young people and leaders in our community and hope that you’ll join us.

24th annual Youth Recognition Dinner is March 26 at Terry Hills, must RSVP by March 11

By Billie Owens

Press release:

On Thursday, March 26, the City of Batavia and Genesee County Youth Boards will sponsor their 24th annual Youth Recognition Dinner at Terry Hills Restaurant & Banquet Facility.

Twenty young people will be honored for their commitment to community service and/or their impressive role in their family. Additionally, the dinner will recognize two adult youth workers and an adult youth volunteer.

The following young people will be recognized for their outstanding service in the community and/or family: Amanda Bergman, Justine Bloom, Shannon Breton, Sydney Brown, Emily Cerefin, Elizabeth Clark, Ally Flint, Tate Fonda, Luke Geiger, Sally LaDuke, Julie Muntz, Eva Rhoads, Kelsey Schlagenhauf, Donovan Sherman, Madaline Spencer, Montana Weidman, Lily Whiting, Isabella Wilder, Rachael Wight and Maxwell Whalen.

Maria Casper is receiving the Adult Youth Worker Award from her position at Elba Central School. Casper goes above and beyond her job requirements to do whatever she can do for her students. Michael Wilson is receiving the Adult Youth Volunteer Award for his extensive time spent organizing and making “Shooting for a Cure” a huge success.

Registration and refreshments will begin at 5 p.m. The program and dinner will commence at 6 p.m. Seating is limited.

If you are interested in attending the banquet, contact the Genesee County Youth Bureau at (585) 344-3960 no later than March 11th.

Youth Recognition Dinner is March 28, 10 youths and three adults to be honored

By Billie Owens
Press release:

On Thursday, March 28, the City of Batavia and Genesee County youth boards will sponsor their 23rd annual Youth Recognition Dinner at Terry Hills Restaurant & Banquet Facility.

Ten young people will be honored for their commitment to community service and/or their impressive role in their family. Additionally, the dinner will recognize two adult youth workers and an adult youth volunteer.

The following young people will be recognized for their outstanding service in the community and/or family:

  • Shea Amberger
  • Jordyne Amo
  • Samuel Bowman
  • Emily Damon
  • Faith Falkowski
  • Savanna Kenyon
  • Maya Schrader
  • Olivia Shell
  • Jadan Torcello
  • Mary Vandenbosch

Lindsey Dailey is receiving the Adult Youth Worker Award from her position as a Social Worker for 7th through 12th grade students at LeRoy Jr./Sr. High School.  Dailey goes above and beyond her job requirements to do whatever she can do for her students and their families.

Timothy Wescott will also receive the Adult Youth Worker Award for his work as a Youth Officer for the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department. Officer Wescott goes above and beyond his job duties to educate and protect the youth in our community.

Samantha Vagg is receiving the Adult Youth Volunteer Award for her extensive time spent running the Rotary Interact Club for seventh- through 12th-grade students at Le Roy Jr./Sr. High, as well as her most recent accomplishment, the Hometown Hero’s Project.

Registration and refreshments will begin at 5 p.m. The program and dinner will commence at 6 p.m.

Seating is limited. If you are interested in attending the banquet, contact the Genesee County Youth Bureau at (585) 344-3960 no later than March 15th.

Terry Hills is located at 5122 Clinton Street Road in Batavia.

Eighteen young people to be honored at annual Youth Recognition Dinner on April 3

By Billie Owens

Press release:

On Thursday, April 3, the City of Batavia and Genesee County youth boards will be sponsoring their 18th Annual Youth Recognition Dinner at Terry Hills Restaurant & Banquet Facility. Eighteen young people will be honored for their commitment to community service and/or their impressive role in their family.

Additionally, the dinner will recognize an adult volunteer, two adult youth workers and a Business Appreciation Award.

The following young people will be recognized for their outstanding service in the community and/or family:

  • Batavia High School -- Makaela Kitcho, Bryce Rogers and Nathan Cornell
  • Batavia Middle School -- Chloe Dana and Marilyn Deni
  • Elba High School -- Kayla Casper, Victoria Gallup and Alexandra Lacey
  • Alexander Central School -- Adrien Marzolf
  • Byron-Bergen High School -- Jacob Prospero
  • Notre Dame High School -- Bryan Moscicki, Bailee Welker, Emily Vandenbosch, Andrew Mullen, Connor Logsdon and Tyler Barrett
  • Pavilion Central School -- Elisabeth Pike
  • Le Roy High School -- Emily Chavez

Donna Lander is receiving the Adult Volunteer Award for her commitment to volunteer in countless ways at St. Joseph School of Batavia.

Cathy Brown and Frank Buscaglia from Genesee County Department of Social Services are receiving the Adult Youth Worker Award for going above and beyond their job requirements to provide persistent and diligent services to children and families of Genesee County.

Paul Berardini, owner of Big Pauly’s Pizza, has always been willing to provide discounts and donations to the Youth Bureaus for the programs we are providing to the community along with great customer service.

Lastly, the Pembroke Girls Varsity Basketball Team will be receiving the Community Pride Award for raising awareness and money for Breast Cancer Research at Roswell Park Cancer Institution for the past three years. During this time, the girls were able to raise $22,332 for cancer research which was donated to Roswell.

Each recipient will receive an award in addition to commendations from NYS Senator Michael Ranzenhofer, NYS Assemblyman Stephen Hawley, the Genesee County Legislature and the Batavia City Council.

For more information about this event or to RSVP, please contact Jocelyn Sikorski at (585) 344-3960 or jsikorski@co.genesee.ny.us

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