The Cattaraugus County Youth Bureau announces that this week’s featured Youth Citizenship Award recipient is Valerie Gilbert, the daughter of Philip and Cheryl Gilbert and a graduate of Pioneer High School.

Gilbert was nominated by her former school counselor, who described her as driven, compassionate and kind and as a student whose hard work is evident in every area she touches — academics, athletics and service.

A dedicated volunteer, Gilbert has given her time generously to The Pines Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center of Machias, brightening the lives of residents with her presence and care, and her interest in history and heritage led her to serve at the Java Historical Society. Additionally, her curiosity and drive toward a STEM career inspired her to volunteer at MOOG, allowing her to gain valuable insight into engineering and innovation.

Gilbert’s contributions extend well beyond volunteerism. A highly accomplished athlete, she has been a dedicated member of her school’s athletic teams throughout her academic career. She spent multiple years as a scholar athlete in field hockey, indoor track and outdoor track. She competed for six years in indoor track, earning MVP honors and an impressive third-place finish in pole vault at the state level. In outdoor track, her leadership helped her team place first in Division and consistently rank in the top three at States. Her three years in cross country saw her team finish second at Division twice, with her being named an ECIC All-Star for two seasons. She culminated her senior year by earning the prestigious All-WNY Scholar Athlete Award and helping her team win the Section B2 title.

Gilbert’s hobbies include pursuing art, mainly in the field of ceramics, having taken an AP course in ceramics during her senior year of school. She plans to attend college and major in a STEM field. She is exploring career options in science and math research. Congratulations, Valerie!

Nominations for the 2026 graduating class are opening soon. More information will be available at cattcoyouth.org or by contacting Sue Carney, deputy director of Cattaraugus County Department of Aging and Youth Services, at (716) 701-3219.