Youth of the Week: Jazmyne

The Cattaraugus County Youth Bureau is pleased to announce that the first featured Youth of the Week for the 2026-2027 school year is Jazmyne Brantley. Jazmyne is the great-granddaughter of John and Karol Long and is a senior at Olean High School.

Jazmyne was nominated for this recognition by the Olean High School Family Engagement Counselor, who is also her aunt. She writes, "Jaz lost both her parents and has lived with her great-grandparents since she was two. Jaz has had struggles but has overcome so much and she is so sweet and nice to everyone, and even takes care of her disabled grandma. She volunteers for every school activity involving children. I have enjoyed watching her grow and mature over the years."

Jazmyne's passion clearly lies in working with children. For the past four years, she has volunteered with East View Elementary School and Washington West Elementary School assisting with children's activities and special events. She has also volunteered with Believer's Chapel, working with its children's program, and at the YMCA Early Learning Center at Jamestown Community College, where she has provided care and assistance in the infant classroom.

Her volunteer service extends beyond working with children. Jazmyne has assisted with the Meals on Wheels program by packaging food for recipients. She has also volunteered at the annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner sponsored by Olean Community Schools, serving meals and helping plan activities for children attending the event.

Within school, Jazmyne is active in SkillsUSA, where she represents the Early Childhood Education program in competitions with students from other Career and Technical Education programs. She is also a member of the Student Activities Council, helping create and coordinate school events. As a Creation Specialist/Class Ambassador, Jazmyne guides and provides assistance within the Early Childhood Education program.

For the past two years, Jazmyne has participated in student teaching rotations at Washington West Elementary School, East View Elementary School, and the Little Blossoms program at Cattaraugus-Allegany BOCES. Through these experiences, she has learned teaching techniques, created lesson plans, and gained hands-on experience caring for and educating children.

Jazmyne is also active in athletics at Olean High School. She participates in football cheer and competitive cheer as a scholar-athlete and has received a Sportsmanship Award. For the past year, she has also been a member of the basketball team.