Greene County honors recipients of 2026 Youth Awards

CAIRO―Greene County is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 Youth Awards, honored this past Thursday at the Greene County Youth Fair.

Each nominee was presented to the Greene County Youth Advisory Board with a description of their community involvement and achievements, reflecting individuals who are caring, dedicated, and deserving of recognition. Voting is conducted by the board blindly to ensure fairness and impartiality. All identifying information is removed, allowing voters to review and evaluate nominees solely on their submitted work and achievements.

Selecting the awardees from so many outstanding nominations was a difficult task, but the Board is confident that these honorees represent the very best of the county’s youth.

Sofia Lanuto of Catskill, named 2026 Greene County Youth of the Year

Sofia Lanuto, daughter of Joanne and Michael Lanuto of Catskill, is deeply involved in her parish, Sacred Heart/Immaculate Conception, where she serves as a lector and youth leader. She has coordinated the annual Easter Egg Hunt—donating prizes and organizing activities—and volunteers as a children’s faith formation instructor. A talented ballerina, Sofia shares her skills by mentoring younger dancers. In addition to her many talents, she is an entrepreneur and runs her own small business, Sofia’s Handmade Creations.

Sofia is a dedicated 10th grade student at Catskill High School. She is an active member of the school community, participating in the Yearbook Club, Drama Club, and Jazz Club. Sofia also serves in student leadership as a member of the student government and treasurer for the Class of 2028.  She generously volunteers her time to support numerous school and community events, including Santa’s Helpers, the school’s Trick or Treat Night, and the Reading Buddy program. She has contributed to various school initiatives, such as designing the Soccer Shirt and assisting with Future Freshman Night. Academically, Sofia has consistently earned a place on the Honor Roll. She is the recipient of the Anita Schmidt Knudsen Award and has been selected for both the Greene County Band and Chorus. She has also represented her school at the Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership (HOBY) Conference and has been recognized by the NYS School Music Association with a Ranking of Excellence.

Annika Passaretti of Catskill, recipient of the 2026 Youth Advisory Board Chairman’s Award

Annika Passaretti, daughter of Amanda and David Lyons and Matthew Passaretti, is deeply engaged in community service. She has volunteered as a tree and wreath decorator with the Fortnightly Club of Catskill at the annual Festival of Trees, earning multiple Decorator’s Awards for her work. She has served as a Greene County Department of Human Services Youth Volunteer, creating handcrafted angel ornaments for the Senior Angel Fund. Annika has additionally donated her time to the Greene County Veterans Service Agency/Vet2Vet and HVNCVR. She also attends Word of Life Camp. Earlier in her youth, Annika was active in Girl Scouts and participated in Vocational Bible Study at Resurrection Lutheran Church.

Annika is a distinguished 10th grade student at Catskill High School. She has earned consistent academic honors, including placement on the High Honor Roll and induction into the Junior National Honor Society. Demonstrating exceptional commitment to her education, Annika is concurrently enrolled in Advanced Placement courses through both Columbia-Greene Community College and Hudson Valley Community College, accumulating significant college credit while still in high school. She is on track to graduate with the Catskill High School Class of 2027—one year early—and will already be well advanced toward earning an associate degree.

Annika is an active and dedicated member of the school community. She serves as Secretary of the Class of 2028 and Treasurer for Student Government. She is involved in several school organizations, including Santa’s Helper, Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) and the Yearbook Club, where her original design was selected as the cover for the school yearbook and she was honored as FCCLA’s Member of the Month.

Athletically, Annika has competed at the varsity level in softball and golf since the 7th grade and previously participated in the Catskill Ski Club. She serves as a scorekeeper for the girls’ basketball team. Her achievements include being named 2024 Co-MVP for Catskill Golf, earning NYSPHSAA Scholar-Athlete recognition in both Varsity Softball and Varsity Golf since 2022, and qualifying for 2024 NYSPHSAA Section 2 Golf Sectionals.

Robert Carl III of Athens, recipient of the 2026 Youth Bureau Director’s Award

Robert Carl III, son of Vee and Rob Carl of Athens, is committed to service within his community. He volunteers at St. Patrick’s Church in Athens, assisting with collections during Mass. He also demonstrates a strong sense of patriotism through his involvement as a Youth Volunteer with the Greene County Veterans Service Agency/Vet2Vet. Additionally, he has supported the American Legion by serving hotdogs and has assisted with Catskill’s Wreaths Across America ceremonies.

At school, Robert is a distinguished 10th grade student at Coxsackie-Athens High School and is recognized as a dedicated and well-rounded young leader within his school community. Academically, Robert has earned both Principal’s Roll and High Honor Roll distinctions and is a member of the Junior National Honor Society. He is actively involved in the performing arts, participating in the school’s drama club, select choir, and jazz band. His musical achievements include selection to the All-County Band and Choir, as well as participation in NYSSMA Band. Athletically, he contributes to several school teams and clubs, including bowling, football, track and field, and the table tennis club. He was honored as a New York State Scholar-Athlete for his accomplishments in football.

Recognized as Greene County Youth Volunteer of the Year is Michael Maynard. He is the son of Chris and Ida Bauer of Purling and is deeply committed to service in his community.  Michael has volunteered for many years at the Cairo Food Pantry, Prabhuji Food Distribution Program, Cairo Rotary and Cairo-Durham Little League.  Michael has also given numerous hours to the Greene County Veterans Service Agency and the Vet2Vet Program.

In addition to this year’s primary honorees, several outstanding youths have also been selected for recognition. Additional youth nominees being honored include Abigail Dwon, daughter of Paul and Liza Dwon of West Kill; Payten Faulkner, daughter of Kelli Faulkner of Purling; and Kourtney Mattice, daughter of Matt and Leanne Mattice of East Durham. Their achievements and contributions reflect the dedication, leadership, and community spirit celebrated through this year’s awards program.

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