07/23/2026
Well deserved - congratulations!!
GREENE COUNTY RECOGNIZES OUTSTANDING ADULT-TO-YOUTH SERVICE
Greene County is pleased to announce the creation of a new Adult-to-Youth Service Award which will recognize those adults who have dedicated outstanding efforts in serving as a role model for the youth of today and giving of their time, energy and heart to better the lives of children in Greene County.
A description of the activities and involvement within the community of the nominees was submitted to the Greene County Youth Advisory Board portraying a caring, dedicated individual whose efforts and accomplishments should be recognized. Both Greene County and New York State benefit greatly from the commitment and valuable service of these adult leaders of youth.
This year’s nominees, Robert Desrosiers of Coxsackie, Alex Johnk of Greenville, and Stacy Serson-White of Leeds were blindly evaluated by the county’s Youth Advisory Board to determine this year’s winner - which was not an easy task.
The winner of the inaugural award for 2026 is Alex Johnk. Alex started his adventure into farming together with his wife, Becky, in 2013 with a few pigs and a couple dairy cows. They are hard-working farmers who, together with their young daughter, encourage being outside on a farm and producing your own products (be it meat or other) while reaping delicious benefits. Alex has served for several years as President of the Greene County Agriculture Society, which was established in 2003, as a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich agricultural heritage of Greene County and proudly organizes the annual Greene County Youth Fair, a beloved tradition for over 70 years. As the last free-admission fair in New York State and one of the few remaining youth fairs, the event serves as a platform to celebrate and foster the achievements, creativity, and potential of the county's young people. Year-round Alex dedicates his time and volunteers to see that the annual fair is a success. Naturally fair time is his busiest and he can be seen from sun-up to sun-down on the grounds doing whatever numerous tasks that may need to be done - all to see that the fair is enjoyed, not only by the youth participating, but by those attending the fair as well. Many of the young people who exhibit, as well as their parents, know him. No matter how long the day has been, he always has a smile to share, and it has been said if you need something to be taken care of, Alex is always there seeing it gets done. Alex has always supported the various fair fundraisers by graciously donating a pig (pork products) to be used as a raffle or working at the periodic BBQs that the fair sponsors to benefit the youth and the fair. In addition to the fair, together with Becky, they promote farming as a way of life to the young people of the area and are involved with the local 4H and promoting agriculture. Alex not only shows his commitment and dedication to agriculture but the next generation. He is an excellent example and role model for all the youth that know him.
Alex, as well as the two other nominees, were publicly acknowledged for this achievement at the Greene County Youth Fair Opening Ceremonies on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at the Angelo Canna Town Park in Cairo.
Greene County offers great appreciation for their efforts on behalf of Greene County Youth and congratulate all on this honor.
