Youth Bureau recognizes young people for good works at 44th annual banquet

Photos by Natalie Baron: Maya Tatar is excited and all laughs as she is handed her award from County Legislator John Fitzak during the Youth Recognition Awards Banquet at the White Birch in Lyndonville.

By Natalie Baron, correspondent

LYNDONVILLE – The Orleans County Youth Bureau celebrated its 44th annual youth banquet on Wednesday, and awards were presented to young people nominated for their character, along with three adults who have positively impacted children.

The event took place at White Birch Golf Course in Lyndonville. The evening opened with keynote speaker Julie Berry, New York Times Bestselling Author who has published children’s and young adult books. She is also owner of Medina’s bookstore, Author’s Note. Berry implored the kids to hold onto their hopes and aspirations in a world that might tell them their dreams are far-fetched.

Keynote speaker Julie Berry provides words of wisdom to the young award winners.

Berry described how she was a high schooler who knew only how to be a good student, but through further learning and training, she discovered how to accomplish her goals, and that the audience can do the same.

She stated that one must have a willingness to try with a sense of neutrality, not shame if it does not work out, learning to embrace the struggle. Berry was motivated by a woman who laughed at her for saying she wanted to be a children’s author, helping her to move past her own shame, saying we each need to find our own motivator.

She asked the youths to hold onto their good character that they have presented to the community in order to be nominated for these awards, even in a world that can seem cruel. She provided the analogy that acts of kindness, honesty, fairness, and forgiveness are like deposits into a bank account, and later in one’s life, one should want to see a full account.

“Don’t let the world change you from the shining lights you are today,” Berry said.

Before the award recipients walked the stage, the Youth Bureau took a moment to recognize the Youth Board’s new young members. These three introduced the students who received honors.

Emma O’Neill is a junior at Kendall Junior-Senior High School and has been an active member on the youth board since 2023. She is in National Honor Society and has performed in productions such as Freaky Friday, Annie, Beauty and the Beast, and Willy Wonka. Emma has also been performing at Head Over Heels dance studio for 10 years.

Grace Goodrich is from Medina Junior-Senior High School, and this is her first year on the board. She is involved in the Orleans County 4-H Fair and clubs at school, including PAAC Student Association, which promotes the knowledge and acceptance of cultures, and National Honor Society.

Samaj Miller is enrolled at Albion High School as a junior. She joined the youth board in 2026. Active in basketball and track, Samaj also sings at church and works over summer breaks. She is caring and willing to lend a helping hand to peers who are struggling. Samaj loves to spend quality time with friends and family.

The youth award recipients were given certificates from the youth board, an Orleans County Youth Bureau water bottle, a yard sign, a portrait photo captured by Gia Marquardt, a Taco Bell certificate, and a convocation certificate from the Orleans County Legislature, as well as citations from State Senator Rob Ortt and Assemblyman Stephen Hawley.

Pictured, from left to right: Nora Lindsay, Colton Smith, Maya Tatar, Krysta Laitenberger, Isabella Bresett, Winter English, Maddison Hults, Izabella Garcia, Neveya Barnes, Elizabeth Conner and Logan Callara.

Neveya Barnes of Albion was nominated by Valerie Pettit. Neveya is stated to be kind and someone who, for her peers, is always willing to go the extra mile. She is a busy student, as not only a class officer, but also as an active participant in chorus, band, Student Council, and more. She additionally partakes in Girl Scouts and volunteering, and she assists community events.

Isabella “Bella” Bresett of Lyndonville , nominated by Aaron T. Slack, is involved in both sports and music. She speaks out as a student liaison to the Lyndonville Board of Education and as the editor-in-chief of the award-winning school newspaper, Tiger Talks.

Logan Callara of Medina was nominated by David Sevenski. Logan began his entrepreneurship journey at just thirteen years old. He built up his business, today serving the Orleans and Niagara counties. Logan has both landscaped and tended to the community, helping it grow.

Elizabeth Conner of Albion, nominated by Valerie Pettit, has participated in the Orleans County Youth Court program and has many hours of community service via this program. She is known to be friendly and willing to help out with many local projects.

Izabella Garcia of Medina was nominated by Andrea Krawiec. She has assisted with several community events. For the past two years, Izabella participated in Medina IMPACT Day, helping to bring students together to make impacts on campus as well as out in the community.

Krysta Laitenberger of Kendall, nominated by Jourdan Kludt, is enthusiastic and passionate toward cheerleading. She has put in time showing elementary school-aged children proper safety techniques and is known to have a kind heart, a free spirit, and an inclusive and caring nature.

Nora Lindsay of Holley was nominated by Samantha Zelent, Gabriel Lindsay, and Kelly Marzano. She has a strong capacity to think of others and a caring nature. She believes in making both her community and the world better places and is willing to put in effort toward that goal. Nora prioritizes kindness and always includes everyone.

Colton Smith of Lyndonville, nominated by Aaron T. Slack, is a three-sport varsity standout athlete who simultaneously maintains a strong academic record. He has spent many hours dedicated to improving his community as an Eagle Scout.

Maya Tatar of Kendall was nominated by Jourdan Kludt. Maya is active in both band and in stage management for the school musical. She is dedicated to helping out and is very reliable. At church, she performs both via singing and instruments. Every week, she helps out with children’s church.

Winter English of Kendall, nominated by Mirjam Bauer, loves to read and volunteer, bringing these worlds together by volunteering at the Hamlin Public Library. She is also captain of the varsity cheerleader team, a track & field athlete, and a member of the school musical. She is known to always go above and beyond in anything she sets out to do.

Maddison “Maddy” Hults of Kendall was nominated by Mirjam Bauer. Maddy is a musician and a dancer who volunteers at her dance studio in order to help younger students. At school, she participates in anything she is able to, and she always brings out 100% effort. She is said to make the most of every situation with a great attitude.

Pictured, from left to right: Jami Allport, Brie Trembley, and Jonathan Trembley.

Jami Allport, nominated by Chairwoman of the Orleans County Legislature Lynne Johnson, received the Helen R. Brinsmaid Adult Youth Worker Award. This honor “recognizes paid professionals who demonstrate exemplary services for youth and families in Orleans County,” Johnson explained. She said kids need help and hope, and someone to support them, and that Allport embodies this ideal.

Allport serves as the Executive Director of the Genesee Orleans Ministry of Concern and its Youth and Family Empowerment Program. She is dedicated to providing a welcoming, inclusive, and safe space for youths and focuses on opening up opportunities for shared experiences and positive engagement. She puts on many games, events, and activities that are accessible for all, removing financial barriers, reflective of her commitment to the values of equity, inclusion, and community.

Additionally, Allport is a cheerleading coach at Albion High School, serving as a mentor and advocate who is always open to students who need emotional support. Her time dedicated to these students creates a positive influence on their personal development, self-confidence, and academics.

Allport took a moment to reflect on receiving an award surrounded by young leaders, something she did not take lightly. She stated she comes at her job trying to have fun, and that if someone finds something important, that person will find the time to make it happen, as can be seen in her giving time and energy to always support the needs of the youths she works with. She emphasized, “It’s not me, it’s we.”

Jonathan and Brie Trembley were nominated by Brittany Dix to receive the Eileen Heye Adult Youth Volunteer Award. The award recognizes individuals who tirelessly give time to better children’s lives. These individuals prove to be role models for the kids.

Brie and Jonathan organize theme nights at their local church for the children. They also put together monthly projects that are both educational and fun. During the 4-H Fair, they can often be found participating in outdoor games with the kids partaking in the games and acting as judges for karaoke contests. They also instruct the Albion Purple Eagles Marching Band. Jonathan and Brie are always ready to offer kind words, hugs, smiles, and a calming presence to overwhelmed children. They are kind, humble, disciplined, and compassionate, serving the youths of the community in their free time with joy.

The evening closed after a delightful meal and many congratulations. The community is so glad to have each of these active and kind individuals.

Izabella Garcia of Medina is all smiles as she proudly walks the stage.