The Cattaraugus County Youth Bureau announces this week’s featured Youth Citizenship Award recipient is Courtney Marsh, the daughter of Jason and Nicole Marsh and a senior at Ellicottville Central School.

Marsh consistently exhibits dedication and hard work, not only excelling in her studies but also actively participating in various extracurricular activities that enrich her school’s environment. Her commitment to service and her ability to inspire others make her an ideal candidate for recognition, reflecting the values of leadership, teamwork and community engagement.

Upon graduation, Marsh will be attending Purdue University to study motorsport engineering, with hopes to pursue a career as an engineer on a Formula 1 racing team.

Marsh’s dedication to community service through her volunteer work with the Empire Animal Rescue Society for the past three years highlights her compassion and responsibility, as she actively contributes to the well-being of animals by undertaking essential tasks like cleaning cages, feeding and providing companionship, while also engaging the community in promoting animal welfare

Marsh demonstrates exemplary leadership and commitment to community service through her active involvement in various clubs, notably as vice president of the National Honor Society, where she spearheads fundraising efforts for the Ronald McDonald House. Additionally, her role in the student council showcases her dedication to fostering community engagement by organizing impactful activities like senior citizen lunches and hosting educational speakers on drug and alcohol awareness.

Marsh actively contributes to her school community by supporting the Caring Closet, which supplies clothing and personal hygiene products to those in need, while also engaging in cultural studies and fundraising efforts for artisans in Nicaragua through her World Language Club, showcasing her commitment to both local and global outreach.

Marsh’s resume reflects a multifaceted individual dedicated to academic excellence and community involvement, balancing her responsibilities within the student council and National Honor Society. Her commitment to maintaining high grades while engaging in volunteer work and school activities demonstrates her strong work ethic and leadership skills.

Marsh has demonstrated remarkable dedication and achievement in athletics throughout her high school career, participating in various sports including varsity softball, basketball, soccer and swimming and diving, while earning multiple accolades such as the NYS High School Athletic Association Scholar Athlete award and recognition on both the Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Athletic Association 1st and 2nd teams for Section 6. Her involvement as a cheerleader and member of the varsity club reflects her commitment to supporting her school’s athletic programs over the past four years.

For the past nine years, Marsh participated in her school band playing percussion and participating in All County.

Marsh’s impressive academic achievements and commitment to rigorous extracurricular activities, such as her consistent placement on the high honor roll throughout high school and her six-year involvement in the competitive trivia team Quiz Bowl, reflect her dedication, intellectual curiosity, and strong work ethic.

In 2024, Marsh received the Rochester Institution of Technology Humanities and Social Sciences Scholarship, St. Bonaventure University Bonnie Scholarship Award and the Keuka College George H. Ball Community Achievement Scholarship.

Marsh has a diverse range of interests that include snowboarding, which allows her to enjoy the thrill of winter sports; traveling, which broadens her horizons and exposes her to new cultures; playing chess, which sharpens her strategic thinking; and following motorsports, particularly Formula 1, where she enjoys competition and technology behind the races. Congratulations, Courtney!

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.