Approximately 500 guests joined in the celebration of 122 honorees
Goshen, N.Y. – Orange County’s Youth Bureau celebrated its 42nd annual County Executive Youth Bureau Awards on Wednesday, June 5th at SUNY Orange in Middletown.
We have 120 recipients who have done phenomenal things to raise the bar in Orange County. These men and women who are being recognized are leading our community and making a difference,” said Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus. “I want to continue to have you do good things and make us proud.”
Approximately 500 guests joined in the celebration of 122 honorees at the event, which included students from Orange County, youth workers, school-based professionals, local businesses, and County employees. Many students honored with the Positive Change Leading to Success Award have overcome tremendous adversity to be successful and become role models for other youth. Several youths receiving the Spirit of Success Award have proven to be an inspiration despite significant physical and/or medical difficulties. Other youth who make significant contributions to their communities received the Outstanding Citizenship/Volunteerism/Leadership Award.
Adults, businesses, and community partners were also recognized for their many contributions that make a difference in the lives of young people and their families. The award nominations were submitted at the beginning of spring by Orange County schools, municipalities, and not-for-profit community-based organizations that work with children/youth. Winners were selected by members of the Awards Committee, which consists of current and past members from the Youth Bureau’s Youth Advisory Board.
“This Awards Program is a great way to recognize young people who inspire so many, along with the adults, businesses, and community partners that support children, youth, and families,” Orange County Youth Bureau Director Rachel Wilson said. “This year was extra special as we also celebrated Advisory Board member and Awards Committee Chair Susan Murray-Tetz, who will be retiring after 43 years of dedicated service to the Youth Bureau and the youth served through its funded programs. Susan helped develop the County Executive’s Awards Program back in 1982 and was personally involved in selecting over 3,000 award recipients, most of whom were youth. We appreciate County Executive Neuhaus’s continued support of this event and all our Youth Bureau initiatives. We are grateful for the investments from the County Legislature and New York State Office of Children and Family Services. In addition, donations from the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan’s Friends of the Orange County Youth Bureau fund have helped us provide monetary awards and medals over the years.”
For more information, contact Rebecca Sheehan, Assistant to the County Executive, Director of Public Information and Media Relations at 845.291.2700 or presscontact@orangecountygov.com.
To learn more about what County Executive Neuhaus is doing for Orange County, follow Orange County Government and Steven M. Neuhaus on Facebook, @Orange County NY Govt and @steve.neuhaus on Instagram, and @OCGovNY and @SNeuhausOC on X.
You can also watch Neuhaus’ NeuCast podcasts and Leadership Speaker Series.
