Youth Fair Awards

CAIRO - Agriculture heritage and the young people carrying on the tradition were the focus when the Greene County Youth Advisory board presented their annual awards, last week, at the Greene County Youth Fair.

The selections were based upon the activities and involvement within their  community of, “caring, dedicated individuals whose efforts and accomplishments should be recognized.”

Narrowing the field to three “out of the many excellent nominations was a very difficult task,” the board stated in its announcement.

“We are confident the awards are being made to very deserving young members of our county,” the board stated.

The awards were presented by Greene County Legislature chairman Patrick Linger, as follows:

—Grace Hoglund of Hannacroix, the daughter of Eric & Jean Hoglund, recipient of 2024 “Youth of the Year” honors.

Hoglund, a senior at Coxsackie-Athens High School, has served on the prom committee, has done tutoring, been a Field Day helper and has helped at the Interact Club book sale at the school.

In her community, Grace serves as a volunteer for the Coxsackie-Athens Food Pantry, assists with the Thanksgiving Meal delivery through Hope’s Mission, decorates at St. Mary’s Church in Coxsackie for Christmas and has been involved with youth mentoring.

In 2020, she was named to NYSYMCA Youth & Government (YAG) and has served as Legislative Chair and Cabinet Member. 

In March 2023, she was the NYS delegate (YAG) to the Conference on National Affairs in North Carolina and in November 2023 was the Chairperson of Empire State Development YAG Conference. 

Never sitting still for very long, Grace, in March 2024, was appointed to serve as NYS Alternate Delegate YAG.

She is an excellent academic student, having made High Honors, and was named to the National Honor Society in 2022. Upon graduation, she plans to major in Communication Sciences and Disorders.

Grace has been elected a class officer and currently serves as Treasurer. She is involved with several school clubs – Interact, Outdoors Club, Christian Life Club and Varsity Club.

—Andrew J. Holliday of Catskill, the son of Jeff & Lori Holliday, is the recipient of the 2024 “Chairman’s Award.”

Holliday, a senior at Catskill High School, serves in the Youth Group at the Kiskatom Reformed Church, Ducks Unlimited and assists the Fortnightly Club of Catskill at functions.

Andrew serves as an ambassador of the school as an Incoming Freshman Night Presenter, serves as a coach for the Alumni/Staff annual basketball game and can be seen at Christmas Time with Santa’s Helpers. 

He is a member of the school’s Business and Marketing Club, assists with the Spring Rush and serves on the school’s newsletter.

Andrew has been a member of the volleyball team and was the recipient of the St Bonaventure University Bonnie Scholarship. In the words of his nominator, Andrew is a “role model for our youth.”

He has made the school’s Academic Honor Roll and was named to the National Honor Society in 2021. In addition, he was named to the Dean’s List at Columbia-Greene Community College.

He currently serves as the President of his graduating class. Andrew is an all-around athlete as well, having played on the school’s golf team, volleyball team and track team.

—Tatum Lampman of Surprise, the daughter of Douglas and Stephanie Lampman, is the 2024 recipient of the “Director’s Award.”

Lampman is a junior at Greenville High School. As a childhood cancer

survivor and with good health as a priority, she has served as a Mental

Health advocate and emphasized Cancer Awareness.

She volunteers her time at the Melodies Center for Childhood Cancer & Blood Disorders and has participated in their food drives.

In the Greenville community, she helps at the UMC Turkey Supper and the Greenville-Norton Hill Trunk or Treat.

At school, she volunteers for the Veteran’s Day breakfast, First Responders breakfast and the annual craft fair.

Tatum was recently appointed to Sarcoma Strong. She has been a keynote speaker for Sarcoma Strong and the Albany Medical Radio-thon. 

As a student, she has been named to the National Honor Society and is a member of the student council. 

Tatum is a member of the Interact Club, serves as an advocate for Mental Health and has assisted at the school blood drives and food drive. She has been a member of the track & field team and a cheerleader.

Other youths being recognized with Certificates of Merit are Carisa Benjamin (daughter of Corey & Ericka Benjamin), Chloe Cameron, daughter of Robert and Ashley Cameron;

John Kunz (son of Seth and Nancy Kunz), Andrew Scarlata (son of Amelia & Ken Scarlata) and Courtney Taibi (daughter of Anthony & Capri Taibi).