The Cattaraugus County Youth Bureau announces that this week’s featured Youth Citizenship Award recipient is Bretton Blecha, the son of Mark and Stacy Blecha and a graduate of Ten Broeck Academy in Franklinville.

Blecha was nominated by both his counselor and one of his teachers, who describe him as an intelligent, respectful and athletic individual with strong leadership qualities.

A member of Franklinville Greater Works Church, Bblecha has been dedicated to giving back to his community. Each year, he contributed his time and effort at the annual Maple Festival, working to sell food and drinks to raise funds for his school. He also participated in the Spanish Club for two years, helping with fundraising activities to support a cultural and educational trip to Peru.

Blecha’s talents extend into the arts as well, where he served for five years as a percussionist in the school band. Athletics were also a major part of his high school career. He played five years of football, five years of basketball — serving as captain — and five years of baseball, where he also served as team captain.

Academically, Blecha consistently excelled. He earned placement on the high honor roll throughout his entire high school career. In 2024, he was honored with the Student Sage Award from Russell Sage College and received a Syracuse University Project Advance (SUPA) Certificate of Achievement. Blecha was also inducted into the National Honor Society for his scholarship, leadership, character and service.

In addition to these academic and athletic accomplishments, Blecha was presented with the Marines Distinguished Athlete Award, recognizing him as an exemplary young citizen and role model athlete who displays courage, poise and self-confidence.

Looking ahead, Blecha plans to attend college to pursue a career as either a health or physical education teacher or as a physical therapist.

With his combination of talent, service, leadership and determination, Blecha represents the very best of today’s youth. Congratulations, Bretton!

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