Newark High School senior Isabella Humphrey was the 2026 recipient of the Outstanding Youth Award given by the Greater Newark Chamber of Commerce March 24th at Rose Bowl Lanes.
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Chamber Past President and Newark Branch Manager of Lyons National Bank Steve Hasseler who served as emcee said this award is given annually by the Chamber to high school or college students who generously devote their time and effort to religious, charitable and/or community organizations and events that have made an improvement in Newark’s quality of life.
Newark High School Vocal Music teacher Kate Flock read this about Isabella before presenting her with the award.
“Today’s Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Youth Award recognizes a student who leads through service, commitment, and character. Bella Humphrey is someone who consistently gives her time and talents to both her school and her community. She is deeply involved in school leadership and service organizations, and she approaches each role with responsibility, kindness, and purpose.
“Beyond the school day, Bella has shown a strong commitment to her community and faith, while also excelling in music and academics. Whether she is leading, serving, or performing, she does so with integrity and dedication.
“It is truly fitting that Bella is being recognized for the positive impact she has made on those around her.”
“I feel so incredibly honored to be receiving this award,” Humphrey said afterward. “The Newark community does so much for its’ people, and I feel so lucky to be a part of a community who does so much for its members.”
“I was happy to be able to help celebrate this well-deserved award for Bella,” said NHS Principal Kelly A. Zielke. “She has been a leader in and out of the classroom and is a wonderful choice for this recognition. I am grateful to know her and think she is an amazing representative of our young adults in Newark. I wish her the best of luck with her future and am certain that she will show her Newark Pride in her next chapter.”
Humphrey has been involved in numerous vocal, instrumental, performing arts and activities during high school including: serving on the on Principal’s Council, being a Student Council member and Link Leader. She is a member of Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, Chamber Choir, Mixed Choir, Jazz Band, Vocal Jazz, FUSION, Parade Band, Marimba Ensemble and has participated in All County Band, All County Choir, Area All State Choir, NYSSMA Solo Festivals, PRISM Concert, Fall Dramas, Musicals and One Act Plays. This year, the students in instrumental music selected Bella as their drum major for Parade Band.
Outside of school, she has performed with: Spotlight Studio for the Performing Arts (Fairport), A Magical Journey Thru Stages (Rochester), Geneva Theater Guild (Geneva), The Nancy Curvin Playground Players (Geneva), Finger Lakes Ballet Academy (Canandaigua). She privately studies voice with Mrs. Angela Calbrese and piano with Mrs. Kay Oosterling. She previously studied voice with former NHS vocal music teacher Jean Bendix.
Outside of performance, Humphrey regularly serves Mass at St. Michaels in Newark as an altar server where she also serves as a greeter and has served on Parish Council. She has been especially honored to serve multiple Masses with Bishop Matano presiding and has enjoyed performing in the instrumental ensemble for Christmas Eve Mass as well. Bella regularly assists her mom (Sarah Humphrey) with Common Threads, a non-profit organization in Newark providing free clothing to those in need (ages newborn through 13). She also feels blessed to be able to have a part time job as a custodian at Kelley School.
Three other awards were presented at the event.
The Alex Eligh Community Service Citizen of the Year award was given to Josh Jackson, owner/operator of BB’s Pizzeria.
Hasseler said the award is given annually to an individual who made a significant contribution to the community during the previous year.
“This person is someone who is dedicated to family, community, and business. As an active participant in community activities and organizations, this person gives unselfishly of themselves and goes beyond their own job duties.”
Before presenting the award, Chamber Board member and owner/operator Jam Imaging & Blue Line Graphics Josh Washburn read this:
“It's truly an honor to stand here today and present the Alex Eligh Service Award - an award that recognizes someone who has made a meaningful and lasting impact on our community over the past year. This year's recipient is someone very special to me, and to many of you here today - Josh Jackson.
“I've personally known Josh for over 30 years. Back when we were just kids, Josh was always someone who looked out for us. Even then, you could see the kind of person he was someone who cared, someone who showed up, and someone who made sure others were okay.
‘Today, not much has changed-except now his impact reaches even further. Josh is a devoted husband, a proud father, and soon-to-be grandfather--which, if you know Josh you know he's extremely excited about. Family means everything to him, and that same love extends into our entire community.
‘As the owner of BB's Pizzeria here in Newark, Josh has done far more than just run a business. He’s created a place where people feel cared for. He's always looking out for others, always willing to lend a hand, and always making sure that no one goes without.
‘Whether it's helping families after a house fire, supporting the homeless, donating to local youth sports teams, or stepping up for community events- Josh is there.
“And one of the most powerful examples of who he is comes during the holidays.
“This past Thanksgiving, Josh, along with his family and friends, made over 50 pizzas to give out to people in need- just to make sure no one went hungry. That's not something he had to do it’s something he chose to do, because that's who he is.
“Josh is the definition of a caring and giving person. He doesn't do it for recognition. He does it because he genuinely wants to make a difference. And that's exactly what this award is all about.
“So at this time, it is my privilege and honor to present the Alex Eligh Service Award to Josh Jackson.“Josh, thank you for everything you've done and continue to do for this community!”
The Ron Colacino Community Spirit Award was given to the Alex Eligh Community Center.
Hasseler said the award is given annually to an organization that has made a lasting contribution to Greater Newark’s quality of life during the past year.
Nancy Gift, Executive Director of the Cornell Cooperative Extension/ Wayne County, read this before presenting the award:
“Braxton Guy is a Newark native, who knows what the youth of this community need. After getting his bachelors in sociology from SUNY Geneseo, he has worked with youth continuously – coaching basketball, as the assistant director of Phelps Community Center, and as the community schools coordinator for Newark Middle School. Before becoming director of the Alex Eligh Center, he ran local youth activities – a running program, kickball leagues, roller skating, cross country, wiffle ball games. He keeps local youth engaged and active. He helps them get healthier and better connected socially, while they think they’re just having fun.
“Braxton collaborates with the community. He manages a staff of seven adults and thirteen youth. With Tina Hicks, he has helped create a Safe Space for LGBTQ+ youth. He and his team have helped Newark youth gain a sense of purpose and belonging.
“I saw this for myself when I lived in Newark. I am a big believer in an afternoon walk, and I ranged wide across many Newark neighborhoods. After Braxton became director of the Alex Eligh Center, I began noticing more youth walking purposefully, with friends, to and from the center, from all parts of the villageI am not exaggerating when I say that Braxton’s work has improved the entire vibe of Newark. For this reason, we at CCE Wayne nominated Braxton, and we’re grateful to have him as a colleague in the work of serving local youth.”
The Business of the Year Award was given to the Newark Branch of Reliant Credit Union.
Hasseler said this award is given annually to a Chamber member that has shown growth, innovation of product, exemplary customer service, response to adversity or contribution to the greater Newark community _ all of which exemplify the spirit of Newark and the mission of the Greater Newark Chamber of Commerce.
Chamber Director Clayton DePew, an insurance agent at Van Pary’s Associates in Palmyra highlighted how some of Reliant Credit Union’s policies, services and programs have benefited not just the Newark area, but other areas in Wayne, Ontario and Monroe counties served by Reliant’s other 9 regional branches.
For example:
• Reliant Credit Union’s Helping People Achieve More programs empowers employees to give back to their communities. Each employee receives $100 to donated to a local organization, club, groups or small business that aligns with Reliant’s values. The program supports causes that fall within three key areas: Youth and Education, Health and Wellness and Community Relationships and Needs.
Reliant encourages staff to participate in community events, offering paid time, mileage and meal vouchers when participating on behalf of the credit union. In 2025, staff supported Newark area schools and organizations like Laurel House, Newark Rotary, Newark Fire Department, Newark Music Boosters, Newark Central School District, Newark Swim Boosters, Alex Eligh Community Center, as well as the Wayne County Business Council, the Wayne County Fair, Survivor Advocacy of the Finger Lakes and more.”
In 2025, Reliant’s 10 regional branches, including Newark, supported or sponsored 230 community organizations with staff spending over 300+ hours volunteering.
Also last year, Reliant’s Newark and other nine area branches awarded a total of $25,000 in scholarships to students exemplify its “people helping people” philosophy through its Donald K. Rhine Scholarship program.
• Reliant’s Feet Forward program partners with Newark and other area schools to provide quality sneakers for kids who need them and otherwise could not afford them. Since the program began in 2016, 2,736 pairs have been given to children in the area.
• Reliant’s auto loan refinancing program in 2025 helped 1,829 credit union members from its 10 regional branches, including Newark refinance higher rate auto loans to lower interest Reliant loans saving a total of $10,060,646 in interest over the life of their auto loans or an average savings of about $5,500 per member.