The Cattaraugus County Youth Bureau announces that this week’s featured Youth Citizenship Award recipient is Madison Giboo, the daughter of Barry and Krista Giboo and a graduate of Pioneer High School.

Giboo was nominated by her school counselor, who stated, “Madison embodies the ideal qualities of an exceptional student: dedication, leadership and a strong work ethic. I can always count on her to do her best even in challenging situations. Madison is kind and caring, and has left a lasting impression on me as her counselor over the last four years.”

Giboo has devoted her time to several community-based organizations throughout her high school years. For two years, she volunteered at the Pike Library, assisting with community functions, and for four years, she dedicated herself to helping with the upkeep of the Farmersville Cemetery. She also played an integral role in her school’s annual blood drive, spending three years helping to organize, promote, and run the event.

Her commitment to extracurricular activities is equally remarkable. A member of the Pioneer marching band for four years, she not only performed but also served as a section leader and mentor to younger students. Giboo was also part of the select choir for nine years, where she held a section leader position and guided younger singers. Academically, she was a three-year member of the National Honor Society, serving as treasurer, and also contributed to “Pioneer Pro,” where she held the treasurer role and helped organize the annual Gift Tree program, providing assistance to less fortunate students during the holidays and beyond.

Athletics were another area where Giboo thrived. She was a six-year varsity swimmer, serving as captain, earning recognition as Most Valuable Swimmer three times, and achieving Scholar Athlete honors every season. In track and field, she competed for two years, twice being named Most Improved Player and earning Scholar Athlete recognition both years.

Her academic record is equally impressive. Giboo consistently ranked among the top three students in her class and made the honor roll every year. She earned the Marching Band Certificate of Leadership in her junior year, the Arcade Aquatics Leadership Award, and was named a Scholar Athlete each year of high school. She also challenged herself with a rigorous academic schedule, taking numerous advanced placement and college-level courses.

As her counselor noted, “Madison has always strived to fill her school academic schedule with the most rigorous courses possible. This is quite an accomplishment, balancing academics with all of her sports and club participation.”

Beyond school, Giboo worked part-time with Oberst Concessions and served as a per diem lifeguard at Pioneer High School. In the future, she plans to attend college and pursue a career as a radiologist or sonographer. She hopes to continue her love of swimming and remain involved in volunteer service, carrying forward the dedication she has already shown to her community. Congratulations, Madison!

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