County Executive Adam Bello and members of the county legislature celebrate exceptional young leaders and advocates at the 2025 Monroe County Youth Awards

Rochester, New York – A night of pride, purpose, and community spirit unfolded at Monroe Community College as County Executive Adam Bello and members of the Monroe County Legislature came together to recognize the incredible achievements of young people and dedicated advocates at the 2025 Monroe County Youth Awards.

Dozens gathered for the annual event, which has become a meaningful tradition in Monroe County for more than three decades. This year, the awards took on added significance with the introduction of a new honor recognizing team-based impact. But at the heart of the evening remained a singular mission: uplifting those who have gone above and beyond to make a difference in the community.

“The Monroe County Youth Awards ceremony is an important event that allows us to recognize outstanding acts of service and leadership in our community,” said County Executive Bello. “I take great pride in joining my partners in government as we recognize this group of youth and adults who have made a lasting impact on our community.”

The event, hosted in partnership with the Rochester-Monroe County Youth Bureau, is rooted in the belief that both young individuals and those who advocate for them deserve public recognition for their tireless efforts, achievements, and compassion. And the 2025 class of honorees left no doubt that this community is in capable, caring hands.

Read also: Supervisor Bill Reilich shares full details of the 2025 Memorial Day Parade and Remembrance Ceremony planned in the Town of Greece

This year, an impressive 81 youths, 18 adults, and two teams were nominated across three major categories. In the end, one recipient was chosen for each award, selected for their remarkable work, selflessness, and commitment to a better Monroe County.

The Young Citizen of the Year Award was presented to Charizma Scott, whose dedication to community engagement and leadership stood out among a sea of deserving young nominees. Scott has become a role model for her peers, consistently using her time and energy to lift others up and create positive change wherever she goes.

The Willie W. Lightfoot Youth Advocate of the Year Award was awarded to Christopher Damon, an adult recognized for his unwavering support of youth in Monroe County. Damon’s advocacy has touched the lives of many, embodying the spirit of service that the Lightfoot Award represents. Named for the late Willie Walker Lightfoot — a longtime County Legislator and community advocate — the award honors those who fight for fairness and justice, particularly for those left behind by systems of inequality.

Lightfoot served in the Monroe County Legislature from 1978 to 2001 and was also president of Action for a Better Community, as well as a founding member of the SouthWest Area Neighborhood Association. His legacy continues through the award that bears his name, one that honors a commitment to justice, perseverance, and the power of advocacy.

Adding to the excitement this year was the debut of a new category: the Gary Mervis Youth Team Achievement Award. Created to honor the extraordinary contributions of teams, the award is named after Gary Mervis, a pillar of the Rochester community and founder of Camp Good Days and Special Times Inc., a haven for children facing cancer and other serious life challenges. Mervis’s efforts later expanded into community safety and anti-violence work, including TIPS outreach events in Rochester and the federally supported Project EXILE, targeting illegal gun trafficking.

The first-ever recipients of the Gary Mervis Team Award were the Greece Athena DECA Club, a student-led team that demonstrated excellence in leadership, business development, and community impact. The club’s efforts reflect the very essence of what the new award seeks to honor — youth working together with passion, determination, and creativity to improve the world around them.

Read also: Mayor and city council president of Rochester respond strongly to Department of Justice lawsuit over sanctuary city policy

These three awards — the Young Citizen of the Year, the Willie W. Lightfoot Youth Advocate of the Year, and now the Gary Mervis Youth Team Achievement Award — represent the highest recognition that Monroe County can bestow on its young changemakers and those who support them.

County officials emphasized the importance of continuing this legacy of recognition, especially in a time when young people are navigating a complex world filled with both challenges and opportunity. Honoring those who rise to the occasion sends a clear message: service, leadership, and advocacy still matter — and they make a difference.

The energy in the room was one of celebration and gratitude. Applause erupted as each recipient took the stage, not just as individuals receiving awards, but as symbols of hope for the future of the region. It was clear that their stories had inspired everyone in attendance — from local officials and educators to family members and friends.

These awards, established years ago by the County Legislature, serve not only as recognition but also as motivation. They highlight what is possible when individuals — young or old — dedicate themselves to something bigger than themselves. And they remind Monroe County that even small actions, driven by care and courage, can leave a lasting mark.

As the evening came to a close, the message from county leaders was clear: these honorees have set the bar high, but they’ve also lit the path for others to follow. Their example will resonate for years to come.

Monroe County will no doubt face new challenges in the years ahead, but with youth like Charizma Scott, advocates like Christopher Damon, and teams like the Greece Athena DECA Club leading the way, the future looks bright — and deeply rooted in community.