Six Honored at Oneida County Youth Bureau's Inaugural Community Recognition Award Ceremony

The Oneida County Youth Bureau and County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. recognized six honorees today for their volunteerism and leadership contributions to the community.

The Youth Bureau’s inaugural Community Recognition Award Ceremony, which took place just prior to the Board of Legislators monthly meeting, honored five county youth and one adult in five different categories.

“This initiative gives us another opportunity to recognize standout youth and adults within Oneida County that are doing exceptional work, have overcome obstacles and continue to strive for the improvement of themselves and others through volunteerism, setting attainable goals and leading with their heart,” said Oneida County Youth Bureau Director Kevin Green. “This initiative has been a year in planning and many thanks go out to County Executive Picente and our Youth Advisory Board Members for their hard work in making this ceremony a reality.”

The winners were:
• Community Connection Award: Unice Elliott for her tireless devotion to the Junior Frontiers of the
   Mohawk Valley (nominated by Jawwaad Rasheed).
• Distinguished Youth Employee Award: Riley Kline for his commitment as a community leader and
   having an outstanding work ethic (nominated by the Dodge Pratt Northam Art and Community
   Center).
• Overcoming Adversity Award:

o Shareif Melvin for overcoming adversity through courage, determination and a caring heart
                 (nominated by Jane Domingue at Thea Bowman House).
o Shamya Hammett for overcoming adversity through strength, courage and determination by
                 achieving specific goals while overcoming obstacles (nominated by Allison Jackson at Kids
                 Oneida).
• Distinguished Volunteer Award: Eneliza Retamar for her dedication to the outreach and prevention
   program at The Neighborhood Center (Nominated by Anna C. Irizarry).
• Exceptional Leadership Award: Macaela Honsinger for her work as a tutor for first to sixth graders at
   New Hartford Senior Center (nominated by Eileen Spellman).

“The leadership, determination and commitment displayed by these honorees should serve as an inspiration to our entire community,” said Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. “I look forward to seeing this event grow and become an annual tradition for many years to come.”