2018 Oneida County Youth Awards Dinner

County Executive Picente and the Oneida County Youth Bureau honored 8 youth and 3 adults at their Inaugural 2018 Oneida County Youth Awards Dinner. The event, sponsored by The Friends of the Oneida County Youth Bureau, was held at Daniele’s Banquet Specialists. Our keynote speaker Mr. Howard Mettelman, District Superintendent of Oneida-Herkimer-Madison BOCES, enlightened over 150 guests with his powerful message about the impact of choosing to be a leader by taking the road less travelled.

Nominees from various school districts and community youth serving agencies were honored and recognized at this dinner. Over a year in planning, Director of the Oneida County Youth Bureau Kevin Green, as well as Youth Advisory Board members were excited and encouraged by the success of this 1st year event. “We had so many positive stories that were told which continue to highlight our exceptional youth and adults working in youth services here within Oneida County.” Green added, “This is the beginning of a landmark annual event which focuses on uniting community minded youth and adults by spotlighting qualities such as positive change leading to success, the spirit of success, exceptional leadership, distinguished volunteerism, connecting our community, rising star in youth services and distinguished youth employee.”

Those honored were anonymously selected by a reading committee comprised of Youth Advisory Board members. Congratulations to the following Class of 2018 Oneida County Youth Awards recipients:

*Distinguished Youth Volunteer Award
Tina Jasarevic (Oriskany High School)

*Spirit of Success Youth Award
Makka Adam Djouma (Proctor High School)
Brandon Parry (Vernon Verona Sherrill High School)

*Positive Change Leading to Success Youth Award
Samuel Kuryla (Rome Free Academy High School)
Yupha Lwin (Proctor High School)

*Exceptional Youth Leadership Award
Alexandria Burger (Vernon Verona Sherrill High School)
Stephen Ventura (Whitesboro High School)
Sophie Wittenbeck (Waterville High School)

*Distinguished Youth Employee Award
Grady Faulkner (Utica City School District Employee)

Rising Star in Youth Services Award
Lia Savage (Safe Schools Mohawk Valley Employee)

Connecting Our Community Award
Tiffany Boykin (Kids Oneida Employee)