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Erie Niagara Sunrise Exchange Club press release & photo
Sienna Sarkees, a senior at Grand Island High School, was selected by her counselor, Sheryl Kavanagh, as the Youth of the Year for the Erie Niagara Sunrise Exchange Club.
The Exchange Club honors one senior from each of six area high schools to participate in the national program, according to Barbara Tucker, chairman of the event.
The student, her counselor and parents are invited to a breakfast meeting at the Olympic Restaurant in Kenmore.
At the event on March 11, Sienna read her essay that followed the theme of how she has contributed to society and how she envisions her future in community service.
Sienna was described by Kavanagh as “a visible student; a true leader who is a role model and involved in a wide range of activities, including class president for four years.”
Sienna outlined her community service that began in middle school when she joined the youth branch of the Rotary Club.
“One of the most meaningful experiences was volunteering at the town’s Relay For Life, where I was standing with Rotary members dedicated to supporting cancer research,” she said.
Sienna was accompanied to the breakfast by her parents, Karolyn Massaro and John Sarkees Jr.
Sienna received a certificate and a monetary award from Exchange Club member Tami Stengel, emcee of the event.
The Exchange Club’s competition starts at the local level, where branches in the local districts select their own Youth of the Year winner. The club’s winner is sent for district competition, and the district winners then compete on the national level for a $20,000 scholarship.
1859 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island, NY 14072
Phone: 716-773-7676
Fax: 716-773-7190
