Archive: Around Town

Lansing High School student Chelsea Weidman was honored at Tuesday's Tompkins County Legislature meeting.  She was named the Tompkins County Distinguished Youth for February for exemplary service to the Lansing Food Pantry.  Not only does Weidman volunteer at the food pantry, but she asks for cash and food for the pantry in lieu of birthday presents each year.  She has supported the food pantry in this way each year since moving to Lansing.  Weidman was presented to the legislator by Lansing representative Pat Pryor.

"Each year she has collected monetary and food donations at her party instead of gifts for herself," Pryor said.  "For the third time the has donated over $500 in monetary donations and hundreds of food items as well."

Before moving to Lansing she held similar birthday parties that raised thousands of dollars to benefit other children at institutions such as Saint Jude's Children's Hospital, Deborah Heart and Lung Center, and Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation.  She is a member of 'Creating a Safe School' (CASS) at Lansing High School, mentors fifth graders on bullying, and serves on the Student Council.  She is active in her church's youth group, and is involved in music, theater and ballet and jazz dancing, while maintaining a better than 95 average in advanced courses.


"In total she has donated several thousands of dollars and other items to benefit other children while celebrating her life," Pryor said.  "Chelsea is a very well rounded person who has set the bar high for herself in many ways and has continually met those high expectations in her achievements, both in school and in life."

Food pantry executive director William Gottschalk-Fielding and director Nancy Myers wrote the letter nominating Weidman, who regularly volunteers at the Lansing food pantry, helping to set up tables and distribute food to families in need.  Pryor read the letter into the record, and presented Weidman with a plaque.

"It is an honor," Weidman told the Legislature.  "I'd like to thank Nancy Myers for nominating me and my Mom for everything she does.  My Mom always taught me to give back to your community in any way that you can, and this is how I love to do it."

The Distinguished Youth Award is cosponsored by A&B Awards and Engraving, Bangs Ambulance Service, Purity Ice Cream, Cayuga Radio Group, and the Tompkins County Legislature.

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