She’s a mom, a coach, a community cheerleader, a fundraiser, a Scout leader, and she just got her Masters Degree!!!
From Cody Borden, committee member
Our choice for the 2025 Citizen of the Year is not a native, although I think she loves her little town as much or more than anyone who has been born and bred here. She moved here in 2001 with her mother and siblings and attended Whitesville Central School graduating in 2010. While a student at WCS, she was a class officer, active in multiple clubs, was active in sports and excelled at cheerleading. After high school graduation, she attended and graduated from Alfred University in 2014. Just this month she earned her Master of Education. During her college career, she worked at odd jobs, one of which was the YMCA. She transferred to Buffalo to become manager after graduation, stayed about a year, but missed her family and her town, so she returned home. In 2014, she became mother, added another child in 2017 and two more in 2023, and in July will give birth to a baby boy.
As you can see her home life is extremely busy, but that doesn’t stop this go-getter.
She became involved with the cheer program at WCS while in college and even after leaving to live in Buffalo. She drove back and forth several times a week to continue her coaching. Not only did she advise and coach but became a mentor to her girls. She was an example to her cheering squad by leading them to be involved in efforts to benefit the community, by demonstrating compassion by getting her squad involved in fundraising events that have been extremely beneficial providing large contributions to Ronald McDonald House.
She goes above and beyond to bring things to Whitesville which benefit youth. She worked diligently to bring Girl Scouts back to the community in 2019, then brought Boy Scouts back. Both boys and girls groups have benefitted, not only with specific training areas but have enjoyed many adventures together. Some examples are food drives for local pantries, giving away more than 100 sets hats and mittens to those in need, organizing a caroling group to sing around town at Christmas time, and this year a community Christmas tree that the Grinch tried to steal, while community members sang carols and drank hot chocolate. The Scouts also honor the environment by picking up trash each year, and this group staged a community Trunk or Treat in October each fall, all under the leadership of our nominee. This is not only fun for local kids, but that also brings in visitors from other communities. She has staged events at the Rod and Gun Club that have benefited children but adults as well. She is heavily involved with Youth Sports and coaches t-ball in the spring and summer soccer. And among other activities, she has been instrumental in bringing an annual Car Show on Memorial Day weekend, along with fun activities for kids that add to our traditional weekend.
She has started an Annual Alumni basketball game, where many players and past athletes participated and the community turned out in numbers to watch them play. She is currently President of the WCS Alumni Association and leads in the planning of the annual alumni event.
She devotes countless hours to activities and events that bring our town together. She serves as an outstanding role model, demonstrating the need for volunteerism, dedication, and perseverance that keeps small communities going. Her contributions to our community have made an impact on our local youth and demonstrated the value of what being a good community member is. Her contributions have made a lasting impact on our youth for years to come.
We are pleased to announce our 2025 Citizen of the Year is: Rashell Pastore
