Eleven-Year-Old Rylee Rode Recognized for Outstanding Service to RVES

Steven Swanson, President of Richmondville Volunteer Emergency Squad awarded Rylee Rode with the President's Award for Youth Services, honoring her five years of service and dedication.

By Elizabeth Barr

RICHMONDVILLE — Rylee Rode, age 11, was honored with the President’s Award for Youth Service by Steven Swanson, President of the Richmondville Volunteer Emergency Squad (RVES), during the organization’s monthly meeting on January 13. The award recognizes her five years of dedication and the meaningful contributions she has made to the squad.

A sixth grader at Cobleskill-Richmondville Central School, Rylee is active in both band and chorus and participates in Girl Scouts. Her commitment to community service is shared with her father, Ratrod Harry, with whom she regularly volunteers at local events. The pair are known for stepping in wherever help is needed. Her family plays a major role in inspiring her service, including her grandfather, Harry Sr., a Richmondville Town Board member who has long been dedicated to the community.

Her parents describe Rylee as a bright young girl with a big heart and a natural desire to help others. “We couldn’t be more proud of her,” they said. “She is the kind of kid who steps in to help whenever she can. Watching that kindness grow has been one of the most rewarding parts of being her parents.”

Rylee’s parents also credits her Nana, Mary Rode, a longtime member of the Richmondville Volunteer Emergency Squad, for guiding her interest in volunteering. Her family shared that seeing this tradition of service passed down through generations has been especially meaningful.

RVES expressed gratitude for Rylee’s dedication and enthusiasm, noting that her involvement at such a young age sets a positive example for others in the community.