Several Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES employees were among 250 people recently recognized through Congressman Nicholas Langworthy’s America 250 Community Heroes Award.
Jennie Alessi, Criminal Justice instructor at the LoGuidice Educational Center; Wendy Darling, special education school counselor at the Hewes Educational Center; Alycia Lacki, school counselor at LoGuidice; and public relations specialist Alan Gustafson were recognized for their service to their communities.
Supporting the E2CCB employees at the events were LoGuidice Principal Joe Pagan and John Griesmer, assistant superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction.
Launched this past June, the America 250 Community Heroes Award recognizes individuals throughout New York’s 23rd Congressional District who demonstrate “service, leadership, sacrifice and dedication to their communities.” The program comes during the celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary.
Alessi and Darling were recognized Monday, Aug. 24, during a Community Heroes ceremony at Hilbert College honoring about 50 residents from Erie and Niagara counties. The ceremony brought together family members, friends, and elected officials to acknowledge the community-minded individuals.
Langworthy told those gathered that the honorees represented the people whose contributions often happen without recognition. “America’s story has always been a story about its people,” he said. “It’s been written by ordinary Americans who are willing to do extraordinary things.”
Alessi said she was honored by the recognition and remains passionate about her work.
“I absolutely love what I do, so it was an honor to be here with so many great people who care about what they do,” Alessi said.
Darling was applauded for service with the Mortons Corners Volunteer Fire Department in Springville. She has served as an EMT, EMS captain, CME coordinator and secretary with the fire department.
“I am not a spotlight seeker, so this honor was out of my comfort zone,” Darling said.
Darling said hearing the stories of the other honorees put her own service into perspective. Her commitment to her community extends beyond her volunteer work, as she also serves as secretary and Sick Bank Chair for the Tri-County BOCES Education Association.
“Being a first responder in the community I grew up in keeps me connected and grounded,” she said.
Lacki and Gustafson were recognized Friday, Aug. 28, during a similar gathering at Cassadaga Valley Central School. The event was the fourth and final Community Heroes ceremony Langworthy held across the 23rd Congressional District.
Nearly four dozen area residents were honored during the ceremony, which was attended by local officials, veterans, first responders, community leaders, family members, and friends.
Langworthy said the people being recognized did not volunteer or serve because they expected an award. “They do it because they see a need and they believe that someone should step up,” he said. “They believe their community is worth investing in.”
Lacki said hearing the stories of the other honorees made the recognition especially meaningful.
“It was incredibly humbling to be recognized as one of Congressman Langworthy’s 250 Community Heroes,” Lacki said. “Hearing the stories of the other honorees — the war veterans, nurses, educators, first responders, and so many others who have made a difference in the lives of others — was truly inspiring.”
Lacki said the ceremony also served as a reminder that many people quietly contribute to their communities every day.
“It was a wonderful reminder that there are so many people quietly making a difference every day, and I’m grateful and humbled to have been included among them,” she said.
Gustafson was recognized for his service as a trustee for the Village of Falconer. The recognition also extended to his family, as his parents, Alan Gustafson Sr. and Nina, and his brother, Kristopher Gustafson, were among those honored. Kristopher is a Chautauqua County sheriff’s deputy who serves as the school resource officer at Maple Academy.
“It was inspiring to hear how the other recipients have devoted their time to helping others and making their communities better places to live,” Gustafson said. “Even if it’s starting with something small, everyone can make an impact.”
