Enosburg Business and Community Association awards 2024 Youth Civic Leadership Award

ENOSBURG FALLS — The Enosburg Business & Community Association has created a Youth Civic Leadership Award to be presented annually to a local youth or young adult who exemplifies outstanding leadership, initiative, and commitment to their community.

Nominations will be taken in the first quarter of the year and a recipient chosen by the EBCA award committee. Recipients will be awarded $500 to be used in the project of their choice or donated to a local nonprofit organization of their choosing.  

This year, the EBCA awarded Aleta Deuso, a graduating Senior from Enosburg Falls High School, The 2024 Youth Civic Leadership Award. This award was given to Aleta at the Cold Hollow Career Center Awards night on May 29th, witnessed by her teachers, family, and friends. The award was given in recognition of Aleta’s efforts, having made a significant contribution to her local community; Leading by example, and showing initiative, enthusiasm, commitment, and a positive attitude.  

Sarah Jo Marcotte, Business Leadership Instructor & FBLA Advisor had this to say in support of Aleta; “I have always known Aleta to be committed to service in her community. She is continually asking herself how she can make a difference. She has a heart for giving back and has been actively involved in a number of projects, initiatives, and work that she pursues purely from a place of service.” 

EBCA President Shawna Lovelette commented, “The EBCA feels it is vital that we encourage the young leaders of our community and support them in their endeavors. The needs of our community can be  advocated just as well by these young volunteers if they have the support of adult leaders around them.” 

Aleta demonstrated work with a number of local organizations participating in the Adopt a Grandparent Program and Operation Happiness- helping to coordinate donations for a local nursing home resident and children in our community. She helps at community dinners and has been working on the local Community Youth Center initiative. She has been operating the Open Door at her school, a non-profit organization that has free clothing and personal hygiene products for anyone who is in need. She has also been volunteering at the Enosburg Food Shelf with her teacher, putting her business and marketing skills to use to help them update their space, marketing, and signage. 

The 2025 Youth Civic Leadership Award nominations will be available in January 2025, please look for an announcement with nomination forms on our website www.ebavt.com.