June 5, 2025
2025 Oneida County Youth & Adult Award Winners Announced
Thirteen youth and five adults were honored today for their positive impact on the community at the 6th Annual Oneida County Youth & Adult Award Recognition Ceremony.
Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. and Youth Bureau Director Kevin Green presented the awards to the recipients at Mohawk Valley Community College in Utica.
“The exceptional qualities possessed by these honorees are something that all members of our community should strive to emulate,” Picente said. “This annual awards ceremony demonstrates that the future of Oneida County is in good hands with outstanding youth who are being guided by equally outstanding adults.”
The event is sponsored annually by the Friends of The Oneida County Youth Bureau. The winners were anonymously selected by a reading committee comprised of Oneida County Youth Advisory Board members. The honorees were nominated by various school districts and community youth-serving agencies.
The 2025 award winners are:
Distinguished Youth Volunteer Award (Youth)
Rocco Jennings (Rome Free Academy)
Adelynn Leslie (Waterville)
Erin Trinkaus (Notre Dame)
Spirit of Success Youth Award (Youth)
Aldin Bajrektarevic (Proctor)
Commitment to Military Service Award (Youth)
Paul Kearney (Notre Dame)
Jacob Knopka (Rome Free Academy)
Bryan Terchowitz (Oriskany)
Sierra Wright (Whitesboro)
Positive Change Leading to Success Youth Award (Youth)
Michael Damiano (Waterville)
Exceptional Youth Leadership Award (Youth)
Emily Cognetti (New York Mills)
Anya Martyniuk (New Hartford)
Grace Ruganis (New Hartford)
Matthew Wilkosz (Whitesboro)
Distinguished Youth Employee Award (Adult)
Daniel Everson (Whitesboro)
Robert McQueen (Notre Dame)
Rising Star in Youth Services (Adult)
Ramar Harvey (Utica University; HMO Workforce Development Board)
Alyssa Sherline (Whitesboro CSD-Marcy Elementary School Teacher)
Connecting Our Community Award (Adult)
Russell Stevener (Holland Patent High School Principal)
“We have so many positive stories that highlight our amazing youth and adults working in youth services here within Oneida County,” Green said. “I’m proud that this event continues to grow and to unite community-minded youth and adults by spotlighting their extraordinary qualities.”
