Top L to R: Diana Balkovski, Noah Siegel, Ashley Hernande, Izel Ortiz, Chase Gray, Elvis Njuguna, Max Dowell, Madelena Rubenstein. Bottom L to R: Gianfranco Tammaro, Julian Gahr, Senator Shelley Mayer, Hailey Graffeo, Eleanor Hale, and Owen Lee.
State Senator Shelley B. Mayer awarded 19 students in the 37th Senate District with the Youth Leadership Award on Monday, June 16, at Rye Neck Senior High School. The New York State Senate Youth Leadership Award recognizes outstanding high school students for excellence in the classroom, athletics, and in extracurricular or community activities.
Senator Mayer led an open roundtable discussion with the student recipients to showcase their activities and to learn more about each student’s work for their communities. The students were able to discuss the initiatives they pursued and the ideas they have. Senator Mayer then presented the students with certificates of achievement for their outstanding involvement in the community.
Senator Shelley B. Mayer said, “I am proud to present the 2025 Youth Leadership Awards to an outstanding group of students from across Senate District 37. These young leaders have shown tremendous dedication to their schools and communities—demonstrating the values of service that make our district stronger. As Chair of the Senate Education Committee, I continue to be inspired by the talent and commitment of our students. I am grateful to have the opportunity to celebrate their achievements, and I extend my sincere thanks to Superintendent Dr. Eric Lutinski, Principal Melinda Folchetti and Rye Neck High School for graciously hosting this year’s ceremony.”
Dr. Eric Lutinski, E.d. D, said, “Rye Neck is grateful to be able to host the 2025 Youth Leadership Awards this June. Senator Mayer continues to support education and the Leadership Awards are where it counts – directly at the student level with an emphasis on personal interaction with young people who have demonstrated service and achievement. This type of recognition values activity that is consistent with the new Rye Neck mission statement created with our Strategic Plan. Our award winners exemplify the importance we place on a close-knit school community that values local and global voices and inspires an adaptive mindset, enabling all learners to thrive academically and personally.”
Senator Mayer recognized Owen Lee and Abigail Shrayer from Byram Hills High School; Diana Balkovski from Fox Lane High School; Chase Gray, Elvis Njuguna, Jordyn Summer, Gianfranco Tammaro, Farrah Frandson, Julian Gahr, Hailey Graffeo, and Jack Badner from Harrison High School; Max Dowell from Mamaroneck High School; Madelena Rubenstein, Noah Siegel, Izel Ortiz, and Ashley Hernandez from Rye Neck Senior High School; Wesley Lichtenstein from Rye Country Day School; Alexa Bassuk from Blind Brook High School; and Eleanor Hale from School Of The Holy Child.
