Senator Helming Presents Newark Seventh-Grader with Liberty Medal

PHELPS – Senator Pam Helming presented Giancarlo Colon, a seventh-grader at Newark Middle school, with the New York State Senate Liberty Medal and a New York State Senate Resolution during her Youth Leadership Recognition Awards ceremony at Seeley B. Parish American Legion Post 457. The Liberty Medal is awarded to individuals who have earned special commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on behalf of their fellow New Yorkers. It is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate. In February, Giancarlo was walking home from school when he noticed that the back corner of a home was on fire. He pounded on the door of the residence and alerted two residents, who were unaware that their house was on fire. Giancarlo’s quick thinking and heroic actions allowed the residents get out of their home safely and the fire department to arrive swiftly to minimize damage.

“Newark Village Mayor Jonathan Taylor said it best when he said during the village board’s ceremony for Giancarlo Colon that his ‘bold, cool, and heroic actions ensured that a life was not lost, property damage was minimal, and proved that middle school-aged people can do the right thing.’ It was a true pleasure to honor Giancarlo during my Youth Leadership Recognition Awards ceremony, even though he – as a seventh-grader – is not yet eligible for these awards that recognize well-rounded high school juniors and seniors. Like the 10 students I celebrated at my ceremony, Giancarlo is truly making a difference in his community by courageously and selflessly helping a neighbor in need. Undoubtedly, this kind, compassionate young man will continue to help those in need around him and strive to excel in academics, in extracurricular activities, and in community service. I wish Giancarlo much success in all of his future endeavors, and I look forward to following his progress. Thank you to Giancarlo’s family, Newark Middle School Principal Teresa Prinzi, and Mayor Taylor for joining me in this celebration,” Senator Helming said.