Bronxville, Scarsdale and Eastchester residents have about five weeks to nominate a local volunteer for Westchester County's longest-running youth service honor.

The Westchester County Youth Bureau opened nominations on Wednesday, Aug. 5, for the 2026 Rosemarie Siragusa Memorial Youth Service Award, which recognizes adults who dedicate volunteer time to children, youth and families.

Up to three recipients will be selected. The deadline is Sept. 9 at 5 p.m.

County Executive Ken Jenkins urged residents to put forward names of neighbors who might otherwise go unrecognized. "I encourage everyone to help us find these unsung heroes," Jenkins said in a statement posted to the county website, noting the county has honored volunteers through the award since 2012.

Nominees must be 21 or older and must demonstrate a sustained commitment to youth and families somewhere in Westchester County. Peers, friends and family members can submit nominations through an online form at youth.westchestercountyny.gov.

The award is named for Rosemarie Siragusa, the founder and first chairperson of the Westchester County Youth Board. Siragusa served on PTAs at the local, county and state levels, rose to president of the Yonkers Council of PTAs and later became a trustee of the Yonkers Board of Education. The program is now in its 15th year.

The 2024 recipients were Roseanne Aresty, a college-access volunteer with Yonkers Partners in Education; Amy Auld-Owens, an educator who runs youth scholarship and leadership programs; and Terry A. Joyner, an occupational therapist who mentors young people through the Links, Inc. and G.O.O.D. for Girls.

Youth Bureau Executive Director Ernest McFadden called the award a proud tradition of the bureau and Youth Board, saying it recognizes individuals whose service helps shape brighter futures for young people across the county.

Winners will be honored at a ceremony Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 5 p.m. at the Michaelian Office Building in White Plains. Residents with questions can contact the Youth Bureau at [email protected] or 914-995-2745.