On Friday, October 18, 2024, Zara Haque was recognized by the Connecticut Youth Services Association’s with the Youth Leadership Award.
Danielle Jean-Guillaume Sittol LMSW, the town’s Youth Services Bureau Administrator & Case Manager and member of the town’s Dept of Human Services, nominated Zara for the award.
Zara Haque from Greenwich High School helped moderate the candidate debates at town hall. Oct 25, 2024 Photo: Leslie Yager
“This was the first time, in my six years as the Youth Services Bureau Administrator for the Town of Greenwich, that I felt moved to nominate a young person for this recognition,” Jean-Guillaume Sittol said.
Youth Services Bureaus are mandated by state statute and have existed in Connecticut for decades. They are local prevention and intervention agencies that promote the well-being and positive development of youth within their communities and are committed to improving youth outcomes. The First Selectman’s Youth Commission, and its broad range of community partnerships, facilitate positive outcomes for youth by encouraging connection, innovation, and youth engagement.
The Connecticut Youth Services Association recognizes the outstanding people and programs that serve children, youth and families in Connecticut through the annual awards program.
“It was an honor to nominate Zara for this recognition,” Jean-Guillaume Sittol said. “Her engagement with STEM to Stern, an organization that promotes STEM education to diverse communities of youth; role as director of the Greenwich Middle School STEM Fair, a program that will enter its 5th year as an event that welcomes the participation of all members of the Greenwich Community; and spirit of collaboration that introduced the First Selectman’s Youth Commission to new community partners, have led to the the commission’s increased impact in the Town of Greenwich.”
Jean-Guillaume Sittol said Youth Services Bureaus serve hundreds of thousands of youth in Connecticut and Zara is the only youth who will be recognized by the Connecticut Youth Services Association this year.
“This award is granted to a young person who makes outstanding contributions to their peers or community. Zara does both,” she said. “I am thrilled that Zara Haque was selected for this honor. She is a great kid and so deserving!”