The Westchester County Youth Bureau and the Westchester County Youth Board held their annual ceremony to honor outstanding high school juniors and seniors who have distinguished themselves for their leadership and dedication to service and social justice. The ten students received certificates from Westchester County Executive George Latimer and the Westchester County Board of Legislators, along with awards from the members of the Westchester County Youth Board. To qualify for nomination, they completed impactful projects on topics ranging from developing technical assistance for individuals with developmental disabilities to fostering literacy among young readers and raising funds for youth in homeless shelters both locally and internationally.
The ceremony took place in the Rotunda of the Michaelian Office Building and was filled with proud family and friends.
This year’s award recipients included:
- Verity Chao and Mateus Hertz-Bird (Dobbs Ferry)
- Charlotte Watson (Mount Vernon)
- Jade Frias and Mia Uzcategui-Dommar (Ossining)
- Chase Kantor (Scarsdale)
- Emmeline Zuba (Sleepy Hollow)
- Maria Cortes and Alison Medina Vargas (White Plains)
- Ian Cavalluzzi (Yonkers)
Latimer said: “I am so pleased to be here this evening to share in the pride of these outstanding students and their families as they are honored with the Youth Board Youth Service Awards. Events such as these remind me why I love my job. This awards ceremony has been a valued Westchester County institution for over 25 years. The ten youth selected to receive the 2024 Youth Service Award are not just community-minded volunteers—they completed and submitted some of the most incredible and sophisticated projects. These kids are serious, and with them as our future leaders, we will be in good hands.”
Westchester Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “The Youth Service Awards is an amazing event that recognizes high school juniors and seniors from across the County for their dedication and volunteerism in their communities and the world. These extraordinary 11th and 12th graders are impressive in what they have accomplished at such a young age. The fact that this year the Youth Board received the highest number of nominations to date is such a positive indicator for the future of this generation’s leaders. I applaud the efforts of Westchester County Youth Bureau Executive Director Ernest McFadden, Youth Board Chairperson Dr. Alexandria Connally, and Youth Board Member and Youth Service Awards Committee Chair Matthew Evans for creating an opportunity to lift up and spotlight these young people who might otherwise go under the radar.”
Westchester County Youth Bureau Executive Director Ernest McFadden said: “Westchester County is truly better because of these esteemed leaders who inspire us all with their dedication to creating a brighter and more inclusive future. Their contributions serve as a powerful reminder of the strength of our community and the promise that lies in the hands of our youth. Through their hard work, resilience, and determination, we will continue to see positive transformation in our schools, neighborhoods, and beyond. I look forward to witnessing the continued growth and success of these exceptional individuals, knowing that they will not only lead us into the future but also help shape a stronger, more vibrant Westchester today.”
Westchester County Youth Board Chair Dr. Alexandria Connally said: “As the Chair of the Westchester County Youth Board, I am deeply humbled and honored to be in the presence of so many remarkable and dedicated individuals who are shaping the future of our community. These young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow—they are the leaders of today. Their vision, passion, and commitment to service have already made a significant impact in our County. From advocating for change to organizing initiatives that address critical issues, they prove every day that leadership knows no age limit.”
Westchester County Youth Board Member and Youth Service Awards Committee Chair Matthew Evans said: “The youth we honored today represent the very best of Westchester County. From creating safe spaces for teens and promoting literacy among children experiencing homelessness to developing innovative technology solutions and leading environmental initiatives, these young leaders aren’t waiting for tomorrow to make a difference—they’re creating positive change right now. As Chair of the Youth Service Awards Committee, I am deeply inspired by their commitment to service and their creative approaches to addressing community needs.”
