The Cattaraugus County Youth Bureau has announced that this week’s featured Youth Citizenship Award recipient is Alexander Crowell, the son of Scott and Lynette Crowell and a graduate of Cattaraugus-Little Valley High School.

Crowell was nominated by his high school counselor, who described him as having “exemplary character, commitment to community service and positive influence on his peers, making him a true model citizen within our school environment. Crowell’s exceptional qualities, including his dedication to community service, academic excellence and leadership abilities, make him an outstanding candidate for this award.”

Demonstrating academic excellence coupled with community engagement, Crowell earned a spot in the top five of his class for two years and maintained high honor roll throughout high school. He was a member of the National Honor Society for two years, serving as the organization’s vice president. He helped run the National Honor Society’s “Trunk or Treat” event at Cattaraugus-Little Valley Central School.

His dedication to leadership also shines through in Student Council, where he served as vice president and participated in community events such as helping to coordinate the homecoming dance and tailgate party and helping to set up the staff vs. faculty game fundraiser.

Additionally, Crowell served as president of Natural Helpers, a peer-support club, where he was an active member for four years and elected president. Outside of school, the Natural Helpers assisted with upgrades to the Community Center in Cattaraugus by helping to lay down mats. Crowell further enriched his high school experience by participating for two years in Future Business Leaders of America.

Crowell’s talents extended to the arts. He was a member of the high school band for four years as a trumpet player. He was also a member of the chorus for four years as a tenor, and was selected for All-County and All-State.

Athletically, Crowell’s record is equally impressive. He played soccer for four years and earned both the Defensive MVP and the Sportsmanship Award. He also played JV basketball for two years, was a four-year member of the varsity golf team and competed in varsity track for one year.

Outside of school, Crowell enjoys camping and helping on his family’s farm, where he tends to horses, chickens, ducks, dogs and cats. He plans to attend college to pursue a degree in civil engineering. Congratulations, Alex!

Nominations for the 2026 graduating class are now open. Nomination forms can be found at www.cattcoyouth.org or by contacting Sue Carney, deputy director of Cattaraugus County Department of Aging and Youth Services, at (716) 701-3219.