The Westchester County Youth Bureau and the Westchester County Youth Board hosted the annual Youth Service Awards to honor outstanding high school juniors and seniors who have distinguished themselves for their leadership and dedication to service and social justice.
The 12 students received certificates from Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins and the Westchester County Board of Legislators, along with awards from the members of the Westchester County Youth Board (WCYB) and their New York State legislators. Students who were honored all had an impressive body of accomplishments ranging from creating accessible sports opportunities for disabled youth, establishing a community volunteer network and using arts and media to promote social awareness. Many had to overcome enormous personal obstacles with resilience to achieve their goals.
Jenkins said, “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.”
Westchester County Youth Bureau Executive Director Ernest McFadden said, “Each year, the WCYB proudly salutes Youth Service Award recipients whose actions remind us of the power of compassion, integrity and selfless service. 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.”
Westchester County Youth Board Chair Dr. Alexandria Connally said, “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.”
Youth Service Award recipient Eric A. Rodriques said: “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.
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
