Y.E.S. AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS TO GRADUATING SENIORS

Each year, the Cheektowaga Youth Engaged in Service (Y.E.S.) program selects two graduating seniors to receive a $500 scholarship to recognize them for their outstanding contribution to the community through volunteer commitments and help further their education.  We are proud to announce this year’s winners, Cheektowaga Central High School students, Jonathan Douglass and Brianna Walterich.

Both Jonathan and Brianna were among the first volunteers to rejoin the Y.E.S. program as it relaunched following the pandemic.  It has been a pleasure getting to know each of them over the past four years.  They are responsible, bright, and well-rounded young adults who have truly been an asset to our program.  Their commitment and hard work has helped improve our community by being a leader and role model to both the children in our programs and their fellow volunteers.

At events, Jonathan is often showing off his creativity and artistic abilities while leading family craft nights or face painting children during holiday events. Jonathan is an intelligent, polite, and mature individual who is always resourceful and gets things started at activities. He checks guests in or begins distributing craft supplies without needing direction. The extra effort he puts in to take responsibility for himself does not go unnoticed. In addition to volunteering, Jonathan has taken art classes at Villa Maria College, played Varsity volleyball, has taken on lead roles in his school’s musicals, and works part-time for the town recreation department all while making the honor roll.

While Brianna is a jill-of-all-trades, willing to help with almost anything, she is a regular at the St Stephens Faith and Joy Food Pantry, helping pack groceries for families in need.  Whether Brianna is leading a children’s craft station at Monster Mayhem or showing off her creativity and artistic skills while face painting at BBQ with the Bunny, she is a huge asset during any event.  She is always so kind and patient, making her a natural at working with children.  When not volunteering, she is an honor student, cheering on the Cheektowaga Warriors as a Varsity Cheerleader for the football and basketball teams, has been cast in her high school’s musicals and works with children with special needs in the town’s adapted recreation program.

We are so appreciative of their dedication and for taking the time to volunteer while also balancing academics and other extra curricular activities. Jonathan and Brianna are truly deserving of this award for their passion for making a difference in the Cheektowaga community.