Penn Yan Youth Ambassador Returns for Second Year

The Penn Yan Theatre Company (PYTCo) is proud to continue the Penn Yan Youth Ambassador Program, an opportunity for students and local organizations to celebrate leadership, community involvement and the spirit of Penn Yan. Now in its second year, the program will take place during the Star Shine festivities on December 6 in downtown Penn Yan.

The program is open to all high school juniors, regardless of gender, while maintaining the traditions of the former Miss Penn Yan program. Each candidate, sponsored by a local organization, will be evaluated through a personal interview and a prepared speech highlighting their sponsor.

Five Penn Yan Academy juniors have applied to serve as this year’s Penn Yan Youth Ambassador: Cadence “Cady” Brady, Margaret “Meggie” Pratt, Sarah Hall, Lizzie Lilyea and Nina Reid Garces. Each student is actively engaged at school and throughout the community.

Cady Brady

Cadence “Cady” Brady, sponsored by Dailey Electric, participates in varsity lacrosse and soccer, Select Choir, Leo Club, Outdoor Adventure Club and Lady Mustangs Strength Training. She serves on the Student Council and is a student representative on the Board of Education. Cady has volunteered at numerous community events and has worked at Seneca Farms, Amity Coffee and the Keuka Yacht Club. If given the chance to lead Penn Yan for a day, she would “make small and meaningful changes that would have lasting impacts,” beginning with a community-wide cleanup focused on the Keuka Lake shoreline.

Meggie Pratt

Margaret “Meggie” Pratt, sponsored by the Penn Yan Elks, is active in Bio-Med, Culinary, Debate, FFA, Student Council, and Varsity and Drama Clubs. She also participates in band, chorus, select chorus and orchestra, and plays soccer, basketball and lacrosse. Meggie has worked at the Keuka and Showboat Restaurants and consistently earns superior honor roll and scholar-athlete distinction. She volunteers year-round, including serving as a counselor for PYTCo’s summer youth theatre program. If she were in charge of Penn Yan for a day, she would establish a year-round farmers market offering affordable, local and organic foods for all residents.

Sarah Hall

Sarah Hall, sponsored by the Penn Yan Future Farmers of America (FFA), is also involved in FBLA, Culinary Club and ESD, and works at Crispin Hill and Riesling Ridge Stables. When imagining her day in charge of Penn Yan, Sarah emphasized the importance of building relationships. She would begin with a meeting at the Wagner farm to hear directly from local farmers, then visit Main Street businesses to learn what support they need. Sarah hopes the community sees her as welcoming and open to any ideas that help make Penn Yan even better.

Lizzie Lilyea

Lizzie Lilyea, sponsored by the Yates County Farm Bureau, serves as President of both the Penn Yan and District VIII FFA chapters. She has volunteered at The Living Well and worked at Trails End Diner for four years. If given the opportunity to lead the village for a day, Lizzie would organize a community-wide celebration highlighting local organizations, businesses and the people behind them. She hopes the event would inspire young residents to explore career paths and opportunities available right in Penn Yan while celebrating the kindness, support and generosity that define the community.

Nina Reid Garces

Nina Reid Garces, sponsored by the Friends of the Outlet, has been active in scouting, PYA varsity soccer and lacrosse, Drama Club and Select Choir. She has worked at Amity Coffee since her freshman year and is a member of Wellspring Fellowship. If she were in charge of Penn Yan for a day, Nina would focus on improving physical infrastructure, including sidewalk repairs, additional bike lanes, clearer road signage and increased access to outdoor spaces where residents can enjoy fresh air.

The Penn Yan Youth Ambassador will be announced during the Star Shine festivities on December 6 at 5:30 on Main Street. PYTCo extends its gratitude to the participating students, their sponsoring organizations and the community members who continue to support programs that uplift local youth. The organization looks forward to celebrating these outstanding candidates and recognizing their dedication to leadership, service and the future of Penn Yan.