“It is often said that youth are the leaders of tomorrow. While this is meant to be a compliment, I would like to respectfully disagree. The young people we are honoring today are not waiting for tomorrow. They are not waiting for a degree, a certain age, or an invitation to care about their neighbors. They have looked at the challenges facing their communities, and they have stepped up now. Tonight, we aren’t celebrating their potential — we are celebrating their presence and their proven track record of action,” County Executive Ken Jenkins
(White Plains, NY)— The Westchester County Youth Bureau and the Westchester County Youth Board hosted the annual Youth Service Awards ceremony on Thursday, February 12, 2025, to honor outstanding high school juniors and seniors who have distinguished themselves for their leadership and dedication to service and social justice. The ceremony took place in the Rotunda of the Michaelian Office Building in White Plains.
In addition to accolades from the Westchester County Youth Board members and their NYS Legislators, the 12 Youth Service Award recipients also received certificates from Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins and the Westchester County Board of Legislators. All of the students who were recognized had an outstanding list of achievements, which included developing accessible sports programs for young people with disabilities, building a network of community volunteers, and using media and the arts to raise awareness of social issues. To reach their objectives, many had to face significant personal challenges with fortitude.
“Each year, the WCYB proudly salutes Youth Service Award recipients whose actions remind us of the power of compassion, integrity, and selfless service,” Westchester County Youth Bureau Executive Director Ernest McFadden said. “This award honors young people who consistently choose to uplift others, lead by example, and make a meaningful difference in our community. Their dedication to serving with humility and heart represents the very best of youth leadership and inspires us all to give back.”
“As Chair of the Westchester County Youth Board, it is my distinct honor and privilege to celebrate 12 extraordinary young people whose talent, character, and leadership inspire us all. With these leaders at the helm, Westchester County’s future is bright and promising, and I am confident they will continue to shape our community with vision, integrity, and purpose.” Westchester County Youth Board Chair Dr. Alexandria Connally said.
“What a blessing it was to represent Mount Vernon,” Youth Service Award recipient Eric A. Rodriques, who attends Mount Vernon STEAM Academy, expressed that he was “honored and grateful to receive this award.”
“I am truly honored to receive the Youth Service Award. I am very thankful that my achievements have been recognized by the Westchester County Youth Bureau as well as the elected officials. It is a blessing to represent Mount Vernon and to hear about the impressive achievements of the other honorees. This experience brought me great joy, seeing others succeed just as much, if not more than, myself. I hope we all continue down this path and create meaningful change in our respective communities. The reason for my achievements was never for recognition, but simply to be myself and serve others, which is why I am so honored and grateful to receive this award,” said Rodriques.
“Lastly, I am grateful to God, my family, my school, and the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau for supporting me and providing a platform that made everything possible.”
2025-2026 Youth Service Award Recipients:
Rafael Aldana-Diaz (Yonkers) – Saunders Trade & Technical High School
Rowan Dias (Scarsdale) – Deerfield Academy
Harrison Greebel (Scarsdale) – Scarsdale High School
Joshua Jones (Peekskill) – Peekskill High School
Adanhyr Morocho-Chuchuca (Sleepy Hollow) – Sleepy Hollow High School
Lily Mei Peckham (Bronxville) – Bronxville High School
Dana Proudian (Mamaroneck) – Rye Neck High School
Eric A. Rodriques (Mount Vernon) – Mount Vernon STEAM Academy
Leila Sadek (Yonkers) – Yonkers Montessori Academy
Micahia Simpkins (New Rochelle) – New Rochelle High School
Zior Williams (Mount Vernon) – Mount Vernon STEAM Academy
Chairwoman’s Award
Aiden Mendez (Ossining) – Ossining High School
“The recent Youth Service Awards ceremony was a powerful reminder of the impact young people are making across Westchester County right now. I was proud to stand alongside the Youth Bureau and Youth Board as we honored students who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to service,” said CE Jenkins
The ceremony serves as a platform to encourage youth civic engagement and highlight the positive impact of local teenagers.
