oleantimesherald
The Cattaraugus County Youth Bureau announces that this weeks featured Youth of the Week is Jordan OConnell, the daughter of John-Paul and Jenna O'Connell and a senior at Ellicottville Central School.
OConnell was nominated by a family friend who shared, I am nominating Jordan because she is a dedicated and hardworking student.
She is a leader for her class and always going above and beyond for her peers.
Community service has been an important part of OConnells life throughout her high school years.
For the past six years, she has volunteered during the Ellicottville Half and Happy Half marathon event and the annual Ellicottville Christmas Stroll.
For the last four years, OConnell has also volunteered at Ellicottvilles Fall Festival, helping raise funds for the sports boosters by organizing parking and, after the event, assisting with cleanup.
OConnell has also dedicated her time to supporting younger children and families in her community.
For the past five years, she has volunteered during Ellicottville Central School's Dime Carnival and has helped organize and set up Santa's Workshop.
Last year, OConnell volunteered at the Rotary Halloween Party and Chili Cook-Off, assisting with event setup and activities throughout the day.
Her commitment to serving others also extends to her faith community, where OConnell has spent the past two years as an altar server at Holy Name of Mary Roman Catholic Church and assisting with the St.
Nicholas Mass.
Additionally, she volunteered during the West Valley Fire Hall Christmas event, helping plan activities and supervise stations for children and families.
In the classroom, OConnell has established herself as an exceptional student.
She has earned high honor roll status throughout her high school career and was inducted into the National Honor Society during her junior year.
OConnell dedication to balancing academics and athletics has also earned her Scholar-Athlete recognition during every sports season throughout high school.
Taking advantage of opportunities to further her education through college coursework at Jamestown Community College, OConnell has earned credits in Spanish, public speaking, statistics and psychology.
She is currently enrolled in the New Visions Education Program, where she is taking education courses through JCC while serving as an intern in classrooms to learn the foundations of becoming a teacher.
OConnells academic achievements have been recognized with several prestigious honors.
During her junior year, she received the RIT Humanities and Social Sciences Award as well as the Keuka College George H.
Ball Community Achievement Award.
Her commitment to helping others is also evident within the school community.
OConnell participates in the Caring Closet program and serves as a certified peer tutor, helping fellow students be successful.
She is an active member of the World Language Club, Yearbook Club, and Student Council and currently serves as senior class secretary.
Athletics have also played an important role in OConnells high school experience.
For the past four years, she has been a member of the volleyball team and the varsity basketball cheer squad.
For the past two years, she has participated in Powderpuff Football and served on the varsity football cheer squad.
More recently, OConnell has competed in track and field in the 200-meter and 400-meter dash events.
She also participated in St.
Bonaventure University's Women in Sports Day, where she explored opportunities in track, volleyball and lacrosse.
Outside of school, OConnell works as a hostess at two local restaurants.
In her free time, she enjoys shopping, reading and traveling.
Following graduation, OConnell plans to pursue a bachelors degree in communication sciences and disorders before earning a master's degree in speech-language pathology.
She hopes to begin her career as a traveling therapist and eventually work within a school setting.
Congratulations, Jordan!.