Front row, from left: Maddie Jabs, Amelia Wood, Sophie Sujo. Back row: Greg Helsmoortel, Jimmy Bruno, Fred Costello, William Schirmer, Leeanne Thornton and Mary Olsen of SAGE (photo by Debra Bresnan)
Three elementary students were honored at the quarterly “You’ve Been Caught” Saugerties Community Youth Award ceremony held at the Saugerties town board meeting on March 16. The award concept, developed by Saugerties is About Growth Experiences (SAGE), was adopted by the town and village governments about eight years ago to recognize and reward school-age citizens who are caught making good choices, doing good deeds, or for demonstrating kindness, selflessness, bravery and community spirit or service. The local governments, the Saugerties Boys and Girls Club, and Family of Woodstock support the program. Nominations come from these groups as well as community organizations, groups and individuals.
Prior to the town board meeting last Wednesday, councilperson Leeanne Thornton presented the awards to Madelyn Jabs (11 years old), Amelia Wood (9 years old) and Sophie Sujo (11 years old).
Jabs is an advocate for Saving Elephants for the World, and she was nominated by Sue Rinaldi, Nancy Gunn and Elisa Tucci for her work to educate people about illegal poaching of elephants. Jabs donated the proceeds from a yard sale she held to a trust to foster orphaned elephants and organized a group of supporters to participate in a global march in the village this past October on the same day that walks were held in 43 U.S. cities.
Wood, the only girl on the Boys & Girls Club’s elementary basketball team, plays hard and has fun on the court. She was nominated by Robert Shaw and AnnChris Warren. She sings with the “Royals” and loves to learn new dance moves. She was named January’s Elementary Youth of the Month, and sets the standard for character and leadership as a member of the Torch Club. Wood has charisma, confidence and the willingness to give everything a try.
Sujo was nominated by Cyn Kendall for her dedication to academic studies and for the way she treats her classmates. Sujo is a role model for her peers because she exemplifies qualities of kindness and respect in her relationships with others.
Contact Lisa Mayone at 245-2321 ext. 1 for information or to request nomination forms.
