Senator George Maziarz (R-C, Newfane) has been presented with the first-ever Mary Lucariello Legislative Award from the Western New York Youth Bureau Association.  The award was announced at the Association’s Presentation and Awards Breakfast held at Woodlawn Beach Lodge in Blasdell this morning.

“I am truly honored to receive this award,” Senator Maziarz said.  “Young people are our future, and I try to go out of my way to give them opportunities to succeed and support programs that help them realize their full potential.  These kinds of efforts made a difference in my life when I was a kid attending the Boys and Girls Club in North Tonawanda, and I know today that youth programs still matter.”

This new award is named in honor of the late Mary Lucariello, a founder and first executive director of the Town of Lancaster Youth Bureau, who passed away on June 1, 2011.  Mary was a teacher and school social worker before getting involved with the youth bureau, and her legacy will live on through this special award.

Meghan Lutz, Director of the Niagara County Youth Bureau, said, “Senator Maziarz has always been a strong supporter of youth development.  The Niagara County Youth Bureau, along with my other colleagues in the Western New York area, are grateful for the lead he has taken in our advocacy efforts over the years.  We are honored to be able to thank him with the Mary Lucariello Legislative Award.”

Also recognized with awards were Senator Cathy Young and Assemblyman Dennis Gabryszak.

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