Four Avon students were among the 100 high schoolers from each of Livingston County’s 17 towns honored last month at the county’s Teen Recognition Awards. 

The Livingston County Board of Supervisors sponsors the annual honors which celebrate local youths as young as 15 for community involvement, outstanding leadership, and positively influencing others while overcoming a significant challenge.

“Year after year, Livingston County’s young people continue to raise the bar,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman David LeFeber, the town supervisor in Avon. “They’ve stepped up for their neighbors, led by example, and pushed through real challenges. As tomorrow’s leaders, these honorees are proof that the future of Livingston County is in good hands. It’s our honor to recognize and celebrate each of them for their achievements.”   

Our four awardees - Evan B., Noah B., Kendra G. and Liliana V. - were recognized April 22 at a celebratory banquet at the Willow Creek Venue in Lakeville.

Senior Evan B. was nominated by Mrs. Suzanne Freeman, a library media specialist in Avon High School: 

Evan has grown into an incredibly effective leader, one who consistently embodies Avon’s values of kindness, integrity, and community. Evan demonstrates leadership in many ways. He is a respected and valued member of the varsity football team. He volunteers his time to play with elementary students during recess, modeling inclusion and helping them draw out one another’s strengths. For multiple years during summers, he has coached youth football. He consistently steps up during class team-building experiences, helping to make things happen by simply getting people started and approaching challenges with a positive, “can-do” attitude. Evan decided to take the digital media course two years ago because he thought it would be fun and would allow him to develop skills that would serve him well in the future. He quickly took advantage of the course’s independent learning opportunities, became comfortable with the production cycle, and gradually assumed greater responsibility within the group. He soon discovered a genuine passion for bringing new ideas and exciting shows to the students. By the end of the year, it was recognized that he had potential to lead the program in new directions and he was encouraged to enroll in the class for a second year. Evan did join the class for a second year, and this is where his leadership skills truly became evident. As he collaborates with his team, he is thoughtful and intentional in considering the best course of action for a scene or script. Evan actively seeks to understand the ideas of others, and his goal is always what is best for the production and the group. He recognizes, values, and elevates the voices of those around him. He reviews the plan for the day, recognizes when his peers need direction, and provides guidance with just the right balance of confidence and encouragement. He intentionally suggests roles he knows his classmates will enjoy and succeed in, while offering support with a smile and a shared belief that, together, they can create something meaningful. When watching the weekly district-wide broadcast of the River Hawk Rundown, one cannot help but notice the wide variety of people included. When asked about this, Evan shared, “The program is a way to bring people together through something that connects us all. That’s the point—bring in everyone! We need to sit back, relax, and remember we are human and not so different.” Evan’s passion for his work, his drive to elevate others to their full potential, and his deep curiosity about the world and the people around him make him an exceptional leader. He is a student who leads with intention, empathy, and integrity, and whose impact extends well beyond himself to those he serves and those with whom he collaborates.    

Senior Noah B. was also nominated by Freeman: 

Noah is genuine, kind, and eager to learn and connect with others. Noah sees everyone around him as an important part of his school community. Over the years, he has demonstrated this time and again. Noah is an avid board game player and consistently welcomes others to join his games, even if only to watch and learn. When the library promotes new games or activities, he never fails to get others excited to learn about these and participate alongside him. Noah has loved serving at the fall and spring open mic events; and he is a natural in this role and could very well run the show on his own. He encourages others to join him in celebrating and cheering on every individual who steps up. He models the respect each audience member should be giving to the performers and expects the audience to do the same. Noah has an incredible sense of empathy which has a positive impact on his community. He has calmly de-escalated heated exchanges among friends and reached out to peers who appear overwhelmed or agitated, quietly guiding them toward safer spaces and positive conversations and activities. Noah is also a member of the digital media class, which produces a weekly show called the River Hawk Rundown. While Noah is not the leader of this group, he works effectively as part of the team to make high quality productions. One notable event involved hosting seven area school superintendents to produce a podcast. Noah played a key role in the setup and production process, and conducted himself with complete professionalism. He worked collaboratively and represented Avon High School as a community rooted in kindness and integrity. For the past two summers, Noah has used his love of football to give back by working with children across western New York as a coach with the Livingston County Military Youth Football Extreme program. He has also taken advantage of the opportunity to spend some time with the “Crafters” group at the First Presbyterian Church of East Avon, where he lends a hand and gets to connect with older community members. Noah has shared that both of these experiences bring him great joy and that he values the opportunity to connect with people he might not otherwise encounter. His actions, both large and small, reflect a genuine commitment to all the communities he is a part of. Noah brings people together, naturally strengthens relationships, and works to elevate those around him. He consistently embodies the spirit of community and encourages all to be more positively connected.     

Senior Kendra G. was nominated by her varsity cheer coach, Ashleigh Herkimer: 

Kendra’s leadership and dedication have made a lasting impact on the Avon cheerleading program. She has been part of the cheerleading family since kindergarten, and throughout that time, has grown not only as an athlete but as a remarkable leader and role model. Her commitment to the program and her team is evident in everything she does. Kendra is a leader who consistently motivates those around her. She encourages her teammates with positivity, models hard work and dedication, and holds herself to a high standard. Just as importantly, she brings joy to the team by creating a fun, welcoming atmosphere filled with laughter and teamwork. Her ability to balance discipline with enthusiasm has strengthened team unity and morale. As Kendra prepares to graduate, she plans to continue her education in the nursing field at GCC. This path reflects the same compassion, responsibility, and dedication that she has shown throughout her years in cheerleading. Kendra Gardner has left a meaningful legacy, and there is no doubt she will continue to positively impact those around her in all that she pursues    

Liliana V., a junior, was nominated by English teacher Mrs. Cordula Kennell: 

Liliana is a creative writing student and editor of the Avant Garde literary magazine. She has been a wonderful editor who approaches her tasks with attention to detail and a gentle touch when correcting others’ work. She enjoys reading other students' works and seeing what inspires them, helping her to understand other people's struggles. She is always kind, bubbly with her group of friends, and takes part in many clubs. Liliana competed in the Interscholastic Competition in English through BOCES and placed sixth in creative writing. She is also a member of the chorus, band, and theatre program. Chorus is Liliana’s passion; it's where she gets to sing out her emotions, and she feels it is where she is the most successful. She is very self-aware and feels one of her strengths is her ability to identify her own flaws and turn them into assets. Liliana enjoys being with her friends at school, and she is a leader among them serving as vice president of the theatre club. Liliana has taken part in every production she could. Her friends describe her as funny, understanding, and always expressing empathy. She said when she is feeling down, she will sing or talk to her mom. Liliana enjoys learning, growing as a scholar, and works every day to be a better person. Her peers know about her illness and see what dedication she still brings to school, her extra-curriculars and her relationships. Liliana is a special young lady and has so much to offer the world. Her goal is to become a doctor and give back to humanity, to be useful.