The Genesee County Youth Board honored some of the community's most dedicated and service-oriented teenagers at the board's annual Youth Recognition Dinner on Thursday at Terry Hills.

The youth were recognized for their accomplishments and their volunteer efforts in their schools and communities.

The Youth Worker of the Year Award went to Ally Terranova Laura Williams. Both Terranova and WIlliams are social workers in the Elba Central School District. They were recognized for creating a supportive environment for students and families and establishing the Helping Hands Food Pantry, which has helped address food insecurity for some district families. 

Bonnie Duthe was named Youth Volunteer of the Year. Duthe is a volunteer at the Batavia Community School's Heart of Kindness Center. 

The board also honored the county's School Resource Officers.

Youth Recognition Award winners:

• Hannah Baldwin 
• Chase Banser 
• Anayiah Bautista 
• Liam Campbell 
• Leah Childs 
• Sydney Dundon
• Keegan Fisher
• Finn Halpin 
• Paige Harding 
• Lauryn Hawkins 
• Lucas Hoisington 
• Grace Nickerson
• Paige O’Brien
• Stephanie Onderdonk 
• Emily Pietrzykowski 
• Makenzie Rich 
• Kate Ricupito
• Lilly Senko 
• Jessica Sosnowski

School Resource Officers honored:

• Jordon Alejandro 
• Sean Ancker 
• Connor Borchert
• Joshua Brabon
• Eric Meyer
• Patrick Reeves
• Trevor Sherwood
• Miah Stevens 
• Kyle Tower 
• Ryan Young

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.

Secure a spot for you and the family for the 18^th annual Family Game Night! Spots are still available and with registration closing Friday, make sure you call to register before spots fill up!

The Genesee County Youth Bureau will host the event in celebration of National County Government Month. The event will take place on Thursday, April 29^th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at County Building 2, 3837 W. Main Street Road, Batavia. 

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Family Game Night will be a “Grab 'n’ Go” style event. Families will drive up to the main entrance of County Building 2 and staff will greet them with a family tote that will consist of information about the services provided by the Genesee County Departments as well as prizes and activities.

Each bag will also have snacks, beverages and of course a brand new board game for families to start their own “Family Game Night” at home.

The theme for this year’s County Government Month is “Counties Matter.” Many county residents aren’t aware of the many important services provided by County Government. Each county department will provide information that showcases their roles and responsibilities to our residents. 

As we know, counties are on the front lines protecting our communities. Now more than ever, Genesee County residents are seeing firsthand the essential functions counties perform. The county provides critical services to all our residents, beginning at birth and spanning throughout their entire lives.

There is no cost for this event. Adults must be accompanied by a child to receive the board game. Please call the Youth Bureau for more information or to register at 344-3960. Registration is required by April 9^th and is only open for the first 30 families to RSVP.

On Thursday, March 26, the City of Batavia and Genesee County Youth Boards will sponsor their 24^th 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 11^th.