Youth Board recognizes outstanding students, adult leaders
Photos by Tom Rivers: Karter May of Kendall accepts commendations on Thursday as one of 14 youths honored during the annual youth recognition banquet. May has dedicated over 600 hours of community service, and also is involved as a leader of several clubs at Kendall.
Clockwise starting in back right: Karter May of Kendall, Aidan Oberther of Medina, Hannah Rowland of Shelby, Kylee Dann of Holley, Grace Goodrich of Medina, Madison Davis of Lyndonville, Garrett Koch of Medina, Noah Fox of Lyndonville, MacKenzie Fiorito of Holley, Keira Zambito of Albion, Theresa Biesinger of Medina and Morgan Bidwell of Kendall. Not pictured include Christina Molina of Medina and Makenzie McGrath of Medina.
LYNDONVILLE – The Orleans County Youth Board recognized 14 students and three adults on Thursday for their service to others.
About 100 people attended the 43rd annual youth recognition banquet at the White Birch Golf Course. They received commendations from the Orleans County Legislature, Assemblyman Steve Hawley and State Sen. Robert Ortt.
Students give many hours of community service and find ways to assist others through clubs and organizations in their schools, or outside of school through the fire department or other programs.
The following students were recognized: Morgan Bidwell, Theresa Biesinger, Kylee Dann, Madison Davis, MacKenzie Fiorito, Noah Fox, Grace Goodrich, Garrett Koch, Karter May, Makenzie McGrath, Christena Molina, Aidan Oberther, Hannah Rowland and Keira Zambito.
Father Mark Noonan, a priest with the ONE Catholic Parish in Orleans County, was the keynote speaker. He thanked the students and the adult honorees for committing themselves to service and kindness for others.
“The best things are yet to come,” Father Noonan shared in his message.
John Grillo, a Youth Borad member and Albion’s recreation director, thanked the students for setting a good example for their peers.
“You are the leaders in the community,” Grillo said. “We only hope others will follow in your footsteps.”
The Youth Board accepted nominations from the community for the awards for the youth and the adults.
“We have great hopes for them to become the best they can be and to continue to be great contributors to their communities now and into the future,” the Youth Board stated.
These adults were recognized for their service to youth and the community, from left: Pastor Al Wilson, Katherine Anderson and Saul Harrison.
Two adults received the Eileen Heye Adult Youth Volunteer Award: Katherine Anderson of Medina and Pastor Al Wilson who leads the Royal Body Shop Outreach Ministries in Albion.
Anderson was nominated for helping many of her neighbors mow their lawns and shovel sidewalks. She volunteers at the YMCA, helping children with pointers on shooting basketballs and kicking soccer balls.
“I just like helping others,” she said.
Anderson is a member of the Self-Advocacy All Stars through the GLOW Arc. She is a role model for every young person with her positive attitude and willingness to help others.
“She makes a huge impact on the Medina community,” said Allison Gursslin, who nominated Anderson for the award.
Pastor Al Wilson of the Royal Body Shop Outreach Ministries in Albion leada a church that serves 2,000 chicken barbecues for free every year near Christmas, runs an easter Egg Hunt with about 15,000 eggs full of treats on the Courthouse lawn, donates food throughout the year, provides lunches once a week during the summer parks program in Albion, and provides lots of encouragement through words and hugs, said John Grillo, Albion’s recreation director.
“Pastor Al has a passion for youth in our community and has been volunteering his service in Orleans County for many years, especially in the Village of Albion,” Grillo said. “His message and blessings are spoken with love and peace, all with a touch of humor,” Grillo said.
Wilson urged the group to keep loving others and sharing grace.
Saul Harrison of Albion receives the Helen R. Brinsmaid Adult Youth Worker Award. He is congratulated by Barb Flow of the Youth Board.
Harrison started as a youth care worker with the county in 2008, assisting children in foster homes.
“Saul is a gentle giant and is an inspiration in our community while spreading the message of love in his profession,” Grillo said.
Harrison does supervised visits with parents and children during the day or evening. His kindness and generosity are apparent while he works with others in challenging situations.
Harrison helps the youths work on goals, taking them to fitness gyms and also to local libraries.
He has been a long-time volunteer coach for youth football and baseball programs. Harrison is also a deacon at the Shiloh Church and cooks his barbecue fundraisers, often donating the funds to sports teams, Grillo said.
Harrison said he is thankful for his career and co-workers. He noted that many of his colleagues donating their personal and vacation time during his recent cancer treatments that kept him out of work for five months. Harrison didn’t have to collect disability because of his co-workers’ generosity.
Harrison said the cancer is treatable and his health has improved. He said the experience has been an opportunity to testify about God’s mercy and power in his life.
“I look forward to helping more youth,” he said.
Hannah Rowland, a junior who is home-schooled, was recognized for her service to the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company. She is a firefighter who has been an active volunteer with the fire company the past four years.
Garrett Koch, a senior at Medina, has been a trustworthy volunteer at Boxwood Cemetery, the MAAC Thrift Shop and with Medina IMPACT Day.
