Jacobs Honors Kenmore West High School Leaders

(Tonawanda, NY) – New York State Senator Chris Jacobs presented five Kenmore West High School students with New York State Senate Youth Leadership Recognition Awards today and praised them for their outstanding academic performance as well as their contributions to their school or community through their extracurricular and volunteer activities. 

“Tomorrow’s next great scientist, poet, Hall of Famer or high tech entrepreneur might be a student today in one of our local high schools,” said Senator Jacobs.  “It is important that we recognize these student leaders and encourage them to reach their fullest potential.”

The New York State Senate Youth Leadership Recognition Awards are to honor young students who have demonstrated leadership qualities in their school or community.  Well-rounded junior and senior students who show leadership potential are nominated by teachers, administrators or other faculty members for their achievements in academics, athletics, arts and community service.  The Kenmore West recipients and their award categories are:

• Kristen Benner, Junior - Arts  
• Lucas Foglia-Leffler, Senior – Arts
• Judith-Jennifer Siwiec, Senior – Community Service
• Ayat Ramadan, Senior – Community Service
• Lauren Gradzewicz, Senior – Academics

“We are extremely proud of our student recipients.  This award recognizes the outstanding contribution and potential for leadership exhibited by our students,” said Ken-Ton Schools Superintendent Stephen Bovino.  “I would like thank Senator Jacobs for being here today.  As a State Senator he has been a tireless advocate for education.  I would also like to thank the Administrative team at Kenmore West along with the Kenmore West staff and parents for their part in providing guidance and support to these outstanding students.”

"We are very proud of our students who have been selected to receive the New York State Senate Youth Leadership Recognition Awards,” said Principal Dean Johnson.  “They have all demonstrated strong leadership skills and have sound principles and character.  We thank Senator Chris Jacobs for recognizing our students and school with these special awards."  

The Senator also commented on the uniqueness of having five recipients from one school, calling it a “feather in the cap” of administrators, teachers, fellow students and family members.

“To have so many recipients from one school being recognized with such a prestigious honor is a great testament to the leadership of the district, and a tribute to the dedication and commitment of the teachers and staff at Kenmore West,” said Jacobs.  “The ability to help develop and inspire such promising young leaders points to a bright future for our community,” the Senator concluded.