The Westhampton Free Library is proud to announce that it honored Hannah Parsons as its sixth community hero during a ceremony at the library’s regular board meeting on July 18 at 7 p.m. The Westhampton Beach High School student was selected for the honor by the Library’s teen department.
“Hannah is a great example of a community hero. She is extremely involved in the community and always giving of her time,” said Library Director Danielle Waskiewicz. “We are happy to honor her.”
Hannah, who will soon enter her sophomore year, participates in the annual Teen Institute and assists with numerous fundraisers as a volunteer for HUGS Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to providing community youth with prevention education strategies to reduce high-risk behaviors. She also lends her time and talents to the Quogue Wildlife Refuge, assisting with fundraisers such as the annual Wildlife Night. In addition, she is involved with the youth group at Eastport Bible Church and the choir at St. John the Evangelist Church in Center Moriches.
If that is not enough, Hannah, who is employed at the library as a page, volunteers on the Library’s Battle of the Books teen team as an assistant coach.
At school, she is a member of the robotics team, which earned a spot at the World Championships, as well as the jazz and pep bands and chamber choir. She manages all of this while taking multiple Advanced Placement courses.
“Hannah truly is dedicated to everything she does, and we always look forward to seeing her in the teen department ,” said teen department librarian Andrea Roberts.
The Library’s yearlong Community Hero recognition program pays tribute to community members who embody the spirit of giving. The honorees are celebrated at the library board’s monthly meetings.
Photos courtesy of Michael Azzato, Selective Eye Photography