The Cattaraugus County Youth Bureau announces that this week’s featured Youth Citizenship Award recipient is Magdalena Parish. She is the daughter of Barbara and Michael Parish and is a senior at West Valley Central School.
Parish was nominated by her school counselor, who describes her as an exceptional student, noting that she is among the best he has ever had the privilege to work with. After graduation, she plans to attend Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine and become an orthopedic surgeon.
Volunteering comes naturally to Parish. She has dedicated so much time serving her community. For the past eight years, she has participated in several community events put on by the Cattaraugus Creek Catholic Community and St. John’s Youth. Parish currently holds the position of youth chairperson in the Ashford Youth Commission, where she assists in planning the town’s recreation program and other community events. As a group leader, Parish supervises three to six-year-olds during vacation bible school.
Parish serves as a volunteer firefighter for the West Valley Volunteer Hose Company, promptly answering calls in her community and collaborating diligently with a team to safeguard the residents during emergencies. For the past three years, she has volunteered with the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps (Sea Cadets), which is the Navy’s youth development program. Parish has had the privilege of volunteering with the Department of Defense, Batavia County Parks and Forest and the Buffalo Naval Park.
In school, Parish is a member of the marching band, playing the trumpet for nine years. In addition, she is a member of the school chorus, where she has participated in two concerts per year for the past nine years. As a member of the class of 2025 officers, student council and yearbook, Parish has participated in planning events such as Spirit Week, dances and fundraisers to encourage school involvement among her peers.
Parish is involved in several sports, including swimming, track, cross country, softball and basketball. By demonstrating strong leadership qualities and displaying a positive attitude and work ethic, she has earned the respect and trust of her teammates and coaches, being named captain in each sport.
Parish has taken over 40 college credits through CA-BOCES and the New Vision Medical Program, including anatomy and physiology I and II (with lab), medical terminology, health sciences, English composition I and II, precalculus and SUPA calculus I. In addition, she participates in clinical rotations at Olean General Hospital.
She has many certifications, including Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Certification; CPR/AED; First Aid; Stop the Bleed; American Red Cross Certified Lifeguard; Basic Exterior Firefighter Operator; and Interior Firefighter.
Parish has received the Alfred University Scholar Award, Clarkson University Leadership Award, University of Rochester Science Award and Rochester Institute of Technology STEM Award for Women. In addition, she has received the Keuka College George H. Ball Award, Russell Sage College Award, St. Bonaventure Bonnie Award, United States Air Force Scholar Athlete Award, Jamestown Community College Connections Student Award and the University of Rochester Bausch & Lomb Science Award.
Within the Youth Military Programs, Parish has received the Veterans of Foreign Wars Naval Sea Cadet Medal, Daughters of the American Revolution Outstanding Cadet Medal, Navy League of the United States—Theodore Roosevelt Youth Medal and many citation ribbons for leadership, culinary arts, and outstanding service and training.
Parish’s resume clearly demonstrates her exceptional work ethic and the strong reputation she has established. Her character, skills, conduct and values will undoubtedly lead her to success. Congratulations, Magdalena!
Nominations for the 2025 graduating class are now closed. For more information, visit cattcoyouth.org or contact Christina O’Brien, Youth Bureau program coordinator, at (716) 701-3360.
