Senator Pam Helming recognized 27 outstanding high school juniors from across the 54th Senate District during her 2026 Youth Leadership Recognition ceremony held March 20 at Victor Central School.

The annual program highlights one student from each participating school district who demonstrates strong leadership and achievement in the classroom and in the community. Students are nominated by teachers, counselors, and school administrators for their character, work ethic, and commitment to making a difference. Each student selected for this recognition has already made a meaningful impact in their school and community.

During the ceremony, Senator Helming recognized each student individually, highlighting their achievements both in the classroom and in the community. Each student also received an official New York State Senate Citation from Senator Helming in recognition of their accomplishments.

“These students are leaders in the classroom and in their communities—balancing academics, service, and responsibility while giving back to others. Their success reflects strong character and the support of parents, educators, and mentors. These students are a powerful reminder that our future is in good hands, and we must continue investing in the next generation of leaders,” said Senator Helming.

The 2026 Youth Leadership Recognition Award recipients are: 

Wayne County
Kloie Sergeant, Newark Central School District
Ian Ryan, Palmyra-Macedon Central School District
Savannah Williamson, Lyons Central School District
Sean Meyer, Marion Central School District
Caroline DeBadts, Sodus Central School District
Anna Madison, North Rose-Wolcott Central School District
Sophia Skinner, Red Creek Central School District
Benjamin Carbone, Wayne Central School District
Miles Stachowicz, East Palmyra Christian School
Ellie Alexander, Williamson Central School District
Alycia Rickman, Gananda Central School District

Livingston County
Ella Wood, Keshequa Central School District 
Tabitha Cole, Caledonia-Mumford Central School District    
Savannah Ebersole, Mount Morris Central School District 
Peter Thompson, Dansville Central School District 
Myra Beardsley, York Central School District            
Hannah White, Livonia Central School District
Emily Fay, Honeoye Falls-Lima Central School District    

Ontario County
Devin Hagen, Bloomfield Central School District
Kaitlyn Bedient, Marcus Whitman Central School District
Iselle Rucci, Victor Central School District
Celia Dun Moodie, Canandaigua City School District
Otto Gifford, Honeoye Central School District
Marissa Wakefield, Red Jacket Central School District
Annabelle Trickey, Phelps-Clifton Springs Central School District
Yailianys Lopez, Geneva City School District
Owen Rademacker, Naples Central School District

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