Local students, educators and community leaders were recognized by the Broadalbin-Perth Lions Club at an awards event held at Nicolino’s Restaurant in Amsterdam.
Each year, the B-P Lions Club presents awards to graduating seniors from Broadalbin-Perth and Mayfield Central Schools, acknowledging these students’ community service as demonstrated by their involvement and activities in school, church and local organizations.
This year’s Mayfield honoree is Kelsey Meca. She received $1,500 toward her future endeavors. Applicants for the award were submitted by each school district to the B-P Lions Club. A committee reviewed the applications anonymously and those selected were done so based on their overall commitment to the Lions’ mission of “We Serve.”
Meca has been cited for academic excellence and is captain of the soccer, basketball, and softball teams, as well as a member of National Honor Society, Student Council, Key Club, Drama Club, and Masterminds. She also received numerous awards and recognition for her athletic abilities.
Meca will be attending SUNY Polytechnic Institute in Utica in the fall and hopes to be a nurse practitioner.
Recognition was also given to 10th grader Audrey Hart of Mayfield, who represented her school at the Hugh O’Brien Youth (HOBY) Leadership Forum this spring. The B-P Lions are sponsors of the HOBY program, which is designed to help high school sophomores to recognize their leadership talents and apply them to become effective, ethical leaders in their home, school, and community.
In addition to students, local community members were also lauded. The B-P Lions Club applauded the efforts Mayfield elementary teacher Mary Swart with the Robert J. Uplinger Distinguished Service Award. Established in 1993, the award honors outstanding Lions and non-Lions or organizations who perform exemplary service to a Club, District, or Community. These honorees possess the highest examples of Lionistic character; ideals, purpose, and service. The award is presented as a recognition of the recipient’s service.
Swart, who teaches second grade, was instrumental in establishing the Backpack Food Program for elementary students in the Mayfield district. She coordinated fund raising, food delivery and distribution along with the B-P Lions.