A North Albany Middle School student is among just five middle schoolers in Albany County who received 2023 Youth Recognition Awards.

At a ceremony on June 7, Lily Graber will receive the George Roe Athletic Achievement Award at a Youth Recognition Ceremony led by County Executive Dan McCoy.  

Graber, an eighth grader, represents North Albany Middle School on the district's modified softball and wrestling teams. She also participates in martial arts and has been on the Gold Honor Roll all three quarters this year and is on track for Gold Honor Roll in Quarter 4, as well.

According to North Albany Middle School Assistant Principal Emma Steckman, "Lily exemplifies what a student-athlete should be. She works hard and is successful on the field, mat and, most importantly, in the classroom."

Initiated in 2003 to celebrate youth who would not ordinarily be recognized, the Youth Recognition Awards honors those who have overcome adversity, shown tremendous resiliency and growth, athletic achievement, artistic expression or demonstrated their citizenship and civic engagement through community service. 

Two Stephen and Harriet Myers Middle School students, Sarah Horne and Eh Thay Wah, are being recognized for community service and leadership at the same banquet.