The Cattaraugus County Youth Bureau announces that this week’s featured Youth of the Week is Harper Klein, the daughter of Jason and Niki Klein and a senior at Ellicottville Central School.

Klein was nominated by her school counselor, who shared, “Harper has immersed herself in various school and community activities. She enjoys volunteering in her community and has demonstrated a genuine concern for others.”

Klein has built an impressive record of community involvement throughout the Ellicottville area. For the past five years, she has volunteered for the Ellicottville Happy Half Marathon and the annual Christmas Stroll. For the past four years, Klein has volunteered at the Holiday Valley Mud Run, helping organize the children’s race. For the past three years, she has volunteered with the Caring Closet, where she currently serves as vice president.

Klein has also spent the past two years volunteering for Bob McCarthy’s Irish Christmas and the annual senior citizen community Christmas luncheon. In addition, for the past two years, she has volunteered for the Fall Fest Town Cleanup and Winter Carnival. Most recently, Klein has volunteered for the Rotary Club Chili Cookoff fundraising event and the community Halloween Trunk or Treat.

Despite her extensive volunteer work, Klein remains highly involved in school activities. She is an active member of the Yearbook Club, Ecology Club, Firekeepers and band. She also demonstrates strong leadership skills by serving as the senior class treasurer and treasurer of the National Honor Society.

Academically, Klein has consistently excelled, earning high honor roll status since sixth grade and currently ranks second in her class. She also achieved high honor roll recognition through the BOCES New Visions Health Professions Program.

Athletically, Klein has been a dedicated three-sport athlete for the past six years, participating in soccer, track and ski team competitions. Outside of school, she enjoys painting and has earned the distinction of displaying her artwork in the St. Bonaventure Art Exhibition.

Following graduation, Klein plans to attend college and pursue a doctorate in physical therapy. Congratulations, Harper!

The nomination period for the 2026 graduating class is now closed. For information on the Youth Citizenship Award, visit www.cattco.gov/youth-bureau or contact Sue Carney, deputy director, at sbcarney@cattco.org.