Congratulations to Sofia Lanuto ’28 and Annika Passaretti ’27 on being recognized with 2026 Greene County Youth Awards! Their commitment to their school, community, and academic excellence has made a lasting impact and earned them this well-deserved honor.
Press Release from Greene County Department of Human Services:
Sofia Lanuto
SOFIA LANUTO NAMED 2026 GREENE COUNTY YOUTH OF THE YEAR:
Sofia Lanuto, daughter of Joanne and Michael Lanuto of Catskill, is deeply involved in her parish, Sacred Heart/Immaculate Conception, where she serves as a lector and youth leader. She has coordinated the annual Easter Egg Hunt—donating prizes and organizing activities—and volunteers as a children’s faith formation instructor. A talented ballerina, Sofia shares her skills by mentoring younger dancers. In addition to her many talents, she is an entrepreneur and runs her own small business, Sofia’s Handmade Creations.
Sofia is a dedicated 10th-grade student at Catskill High School. She is an active member of the school community, participating in the Yearbook Club, Drama Club, and Jazz Club. Sofia also serves in student leadership as a member of the Student Government and Treasurer for the Class of 2028. She generously volunteers her time to support numerous school and community events, including Santa’s Helpers, the school’s Trick or Treat Night, and the Reading Buddy program. She has contributed to various school initiatives, such as designing the Soccer Shirt and assisting with Future Freshman Night. Academically, Sofia has consistently earned a place on the Honor Roll. She is the recipient of the Anita Schmidt Knudsen Award and has been selected for both the Greene County Band and Chorus. She has also represented her school at the Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership (HOBY) Conference and has been recognized by the NYS School Music Association with a Ranking of Excellence.
Sofia’s dedication to her academics, her community, her faith, and her creative pursuits highlights her exceptional character and leadership.
Annika Passaretti
Annika Passaretti, daughter of Amanda and David Lyons and Matthew Passaretti, is deeply engaged in community service. She has volunteered as a tree and wreath decorator with the Fortnightly Club of Catskill at the annual Festival of Trees, earning multiple Decorator’s Awards for her work. She has served as a Greene County Department of Human Services Youth Volunteer, creating handcrafted angel ornaments for the Senior Angel Fund. Annika has additionally donated her time to the Greene County Veterans Service Agency/Vet2Vet and HVNCVR. She also attends Word of Life Camp. Earlier in her youth, Annika was active in Girl Scouts and participated in Vocational Bible Study at Resurrection Lutheran Church.
Annika is a distinguished 10th-grade student at Catskill High School. She has earned consistent academic honors, including placement on the High Honor Roll and induction into the Junior National Honor Society. Demonstrating exceptional commitment to her education, Annika is concurrently enrolled in Advanced Placement courses through both Columbia-Greene Community College and Hudson Valley Community College, accumulating significant college credit while still in high school. She is on track to graduate with the Catskill High School Class of 2027—one year early—and will already be well advanced toward earning an associate degree.
Annika is an active and dedicated member of the school community. She serves as Secretary of the Class of 2028 and Treasurer for Student Government. She is involved in several school organizations, including Santa’s Helper, Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) and the Yearbook Club, where her original design was selected as the cover for the school yearbook and she was honored as FCCLA’s Member of the Month.
Athletically, Annika has competed at the varsity level in softball and golf since the 7th grade and previously participated in the Catskill Ski Club. She serves as a scorekeeper for the girls’ basketball team. Her achievements include being named 2024 Co-MVP for Catskill Golf, earning NYSPHSAA Scholar-Athlete recognition in both Varsity Softball and Varsity Golf since 2022, and qualifying for 2024 NYSPHSAA Section 2 Golf Sectionals.
With her strong academic record, leadership roles, athletic achievements, and deep commitment to service, Annika Passaretti exemplifies dedication, integrity, and community spirit.
Congratulations!