Westhampton Beach Elementary Student Named First Honoree
“The Westhampton community is full of everyday heroes who consistently give of themselves, inspire others and make the community the special place that it is,” said Library Director Danielle Waskiewicz. “We believe they deserve to be recognized.”
As part of the yearlong program, every month, a community member who embodies the spirit of giving will be celebrated at the Library’s board meeting. Each recipient will be selected by a different department within the library. The first honoree, 7-year-old Catherine Robesch, was selected by the children’s department.
Robesch was chosen for the honor after the Library put out a call for nominations. Westhampton Beach Elementary School first-grade teachers Meghan Moran and Kaleigh Locke recommended their student as one highly deserving of the Community Hero recognition.
“Catherine is polite and respective toward others,” her teachers wrote. “She consistently offers compliments and encouraging words to her classmates.”
Robesch, who is thrilled to be recognized, said she enjoys helping her peers, especially if she sees they are having a bad day. “I want them to have fun, too,” she said.
Her helping nature goes beyond the classroom. As the oldest of three children, and with her father deployed overseas, she said she always tries to assist her mom in caring for her 1-year-old brother. She also enjoys playing imagination games with her 6-year-old sister.
Robesch already has plans for the future. “When I grow up, I want to be just like my father,” she said. “I want to be in the Air Force and fly helicopters.”
“Catherine is a perfect example of an everyday hero,” said Waskiewicz. “The Library is proud to honor her for her kindness toward others.”
The Community Hero program comes on the heels of the Library’s Hometown Heroes program, in which the Library honored local veterans for their service to the nation and community.
Photo courtesy of the Westhampton Free Library