The Cattaraugus County Youth Bureau announces that this week’s featured Youth Citizenship Award recipient is Adriana Ensell, the daughter of John and Deb Ensell and a recent graduate of Portville High School.

She was nominated by her school counselor, who describes Ensell as an exemplary leader with a profound commitment to helping younger students and serving as a positive role model within her school community.

This fall, Ensell plans to attend college and pursue a degree in forensic nursing.

Ensell has a strong community service background, having dedicated her time to coaching for OC Beach League and Octane Volleyball Club, where she focuses on mentoring young athletes. Over the past four years, she has emphasized teaching essential techniques like proper hand positioning, which not only improves performance but also helps prevent injuries, demonstrating her commitment to the development and well-being of her players.

As an active volunteer, Ensell has participated in the Junior League by wrapping gifts and collecting donations as well as contributing to the Present for Panthers initiative, showing her dedication to community service and support. Her participation in the McGreevy Adopt-a-Highway clean-up reflects her community commitment and respect for service and remembrance.

In school, Ensell is a member of the International Club, participating in soup night fundraising and a trip to Costa Rica. As a member of both the National Honor Society and a class officer, she engages in volunteer work such as helping to organize school dances, collecting cans for the food bank and selling food at her school’s concession stand during games.

Her consistent academic excellence as a lifelong high honor roll student, along with recognition for outstanding leadership through the Clarkson Leadership Award and her sportsmanship with the OVR Sportsmanship Award, highlights her well-rounded character, perseverance and dedication both academically and in extracurricular activities.

Ensell’s six-year commitment to her volleyball team has led to numerous achievements, including five sectional titles, four regional titles and a Class C State championship. Her leadership was recognized when she was named team captain in her senior year, and her sportsmanship earned the team the NYSPHSAA Sportsmanship Award, reflecting their outstanding conduct and teamwork.

Ensell embodies the qualities of a responsible, compassionate and ambitious individual committed to making positive impacts both within her community and in her personal growth. Congratulations, Adriana!

Nominations for the 2025 graduating class are closed. For more information, visit cattcoyouth.org or contact Christina O’Brien, Youth Bureau program coordinator, at (716) 701-3360.