Ashanti Washington '26 was awarded this year's Buffalo Bills Foundation Jr. Community Quarterback due to her outstanding leadership, dedication, and commitment to giving back to the Western New York Community.

Washington serves as a BI-POC Mentoring Program Leader and co-leader of a Work of Life Study internship at Nichols School. She develops programs for students of color to promote their growth in education through tutoring sessions, holiday events and speaker engagements.

With Clarence Youth Bureau, Washington engages in community events and earned the Bronze Volunteer Service Award, recognizing her efforts. Two to three times a month, she volunteers at the Hope & Joy Food Pantry in Cheektowaga, packing food orders and personally delivering them to the client's vehicle.

Washington is a certified CPR Lifeguard with the American Red Cross. She worked at a residential complex in Cheektowaga during the summer and used her breaks to teach young teaching children how to swim. She also supports children's summer reading programs, creating coloring sheets for visitors at the Clearfield Branch Library.

We are so proud of you and the work you do in our community, Ashanti!