Rochester, N.Y. – Iroquois Middle School sixth-grader Adriana Cassano is being recognized across the Rochester community for her leadership, compassion, and commitment to inclusion after being named the Monroe County Young Citizen of the Year during a ceremony held on April 23.

Adriana earned the recognition after founding a Best Buddies chapter at Iroquois Middle School, creating opportunities for students with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities to build friendships, strengthen connections, and foster a more inclusive school environment. Through her leadership, students have been encouraged to support one another and create a welcoming space where everyone feels valued and included.

Earlier this spring, Adriana was featured as part of her classroom’s “Stand-Up” project, where students selected causes they were passionate about supporting. Adriana chose to advocate for students with disabilities who may need additional support in the classroom, helping shine a light on the importance of inclusion and understanding among peers.

Since launching the chapter, the entire school community has rallied behind both the Best Buddies mission and teacher Jennifer Gottfried, who was recently recognized as a Champion of the Year contender. The district also became the top fundraising school team for the 2026 Rochester Friendship Walk, further demonstrating the incredible impact the program has had throughout the community.