Provided photo

MURRAY – Organizers and volunteers of the Murray Tractor Pull this afternoon presented a check for $13,000 to the Ronald McDonald House, which provides hospitality for families with children fighting a serious illness.

The Christ family and a group of volunteers have been running the tractor pull for many years on a course they built on Groth Road. The setup includes a track, concessions stand and parking. This year’s pull was on July 19 and attracted more than 1,500 spectators.

The $13,000 for the Ronald McDonald House is up from the $10,000 in 2024, and the $8,500 donated in 2023.

File photo by Tom Rivers

HOLLEY – The Village of Holley will rededicate its canalway trail on Saturday. The path was originally dedicated in honor of Andrew Cuomo, who was secretary of the federal Housing and Development in 2000 when the trail opened. HUD provided a grant to help create the canal path and park.

The village will rededicate the trail as “Holley’s Erie Canal Pathway” at 11 a.m. on Saturday.

The celebration will be near the historical marker by the Murray-Holley Historical Society Depot Museum. The brief ceremony will include remarks followed by a reception on the porch of the museum.

Holley Mayor Mark Bower said the two sandstone signs will continue to bear Cuomo’s name. The signs are at each end of the path. Cuomo visited the canal park with his family not long after it opened.

The trail was dedicated for Cuomo on Aug. 9, 2000. At the time Cuomo was secretary of the federal Housing and Urban Development. In that role, he pushed through a $300 million “Canal Corridor Initiative” for canal communities to upgrade public spaces and also assist some businesses.

Holley used nearly $1 million to develop the canal trail and a canal park that also includes a gazebo, docks, a paved path, public bathrooms with showers, a playground, pond and other amenities.

Bower said the canal projects have proven to be a big draw for the village, bringing in visitors while also being frequently used by local residents.

“It’s becoming bigger all the time,” Bower said about the village’s canal amenities.

Holley also will soon add a new playground along the canal path this fall, and a new kayak launch next year.

Photos by Tom Rivers

MURRAY – Don Telaak, representing Telaak Farms in Little Valley, drive his Go Rilla in the modified tractor division at today’s Murray Tractor Pull.

The event is part of the series for the Empire State Pullers, which has 18 pulling events this year in a  season that started June 14 in Dansville and ends Sept. 13 in New Haven, Vermont.

About 1,500 people attended the tractor pull on Groth Road. The Christ family created the pulling track and facility about 30 years ago.

Proceeds from the event will be donated to the Ronald McDonald House. The Murray Tractor Pull raised $8,500 for the Ronald McDonald House in 2023 and $10,000 last year.

Lee Bement of Pitcher, NY competes with “New Yorker” in the modified class. His tractor is turbine powered and hits 13,000 RPMs.

Sharon Everman of Dansville comes off the track with “Wild Hare.” She competes in the modified class and recorded a pull of 290 feet, 1 inch.

Scott Christ is shown in the concession stands today. He and his family and other volunteers worked on the track, stands and concessions the past month to et ready for today’s event.

Christ said the weather was perfect, not too hot or chilly which kept a big crowd watching the action for several hours.

Scott and his son Travis both compete in the Super Farm Class.

Lloyd Christ, Scott’s father and Travis’s grandfather, is at the starting line in the Heavy Super Stock category. Christ named his tractor, “It’s Only Money.”

The monster-size tractors and semi trucks need to pull a 40,000-pound sled down a track that is 320 feet long.

Christ was able to get the tractor to budge despite all the dark smoke that was emitted. He just got a new pump today. He expects to be back in action the next tractor pull.

Lloyd Christ has been a mainstay with the Empire State Pullers for many years. He and his family are heavily involved in the sport and are happy to host an event at the home track.

Thomas Foster of Clarendon went to the tractor pull with his grandmother Juanita Harling and his great-uncle Larry Kennedy. Foster said he has been going the tractor pulls for 30 years.

“It’s the power, the smoke and the thrill,” he said.

A pickup truck named “Snow White” bears down and gets ready to pull the sled. It won the unlimited truck event by going 307 feet down the track.

Kevin Zimmerman and his truck made it 273 feet down the track pulling the heavy sled.

Noah Austin of Alpine, NY competes in the truck-pulling competition.

Provided photos: Lorraine Pera is shown last week celebrating her 100th birthday which is today. Pera is also shown greeting her life-long friend, Pauline Stazie, who is 99 and will be 100 in January.

HOLLEY – A Holley woman turns 100 today. Lorraine Pera is well known in the community. She lives in the village and regularly drives, goes shopping, attends Mass, socializes with friends and family and is part of community events.

“I’m amazed every time I’m in her presence,” Holley Mayor Mark Bower said in a message today on the village’s Facebook page.

Lorraine LeStorti Pera is Bower’s aunt. She was born on State Street in Holley and had an identical twin, Edna Ruggeri, who passed away three years ago.

Pera graduated with Holley’s Class of 1943 and went on to work 25 years at Kodak.

She is a proud mother to her son Don, a retired teacher at Holley. Pera has two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Bower issued a mayoral proclamation in honor of Pera’s 100^th birthday. She also received a proclamation from State Sen. Rob Ortt and a greeting from Gov. Kathy Hochul.

“I hope you have the chance to celebrate this extraordinary milestone with good friends and family,” Hochul said in her letter. “You are an inspiration to us all and your wisdom continues to make you a living treasure to everyone fortunate enough to know you. As you look back on a century of memories and experiences, I send my best wishes for a wonderful celebration and continued happiness.”

Holley, in cooperation with the towns of Murray and Clarendon, has recognized residents who are 90 or older. The next celebration for those residents is being planned for Setember 2026.

“Let’s always celebrate, honor and respect our most elder residents, family members and friends,” Bower said.

Lorraine Pera is shown with her family during a party in her honor. From right to left include her son, Don Pera; daughter-in-law, Liz Pera; great-granddaughter, Leah Prior; granddaughter, Karyn Prior; Lorraine Pera; great-grandson, Caleb Prior; grandson, Jeffrey Pera; grandson-in-law, Eric Paskowski; great-grandson, Eli Prior; and grandson-in-law, Steve Prior.

Photos and information courtesy of Murray Joint Fire District

MURRAY – A three-alarm fire badly damaged a multi-family house at 17131 Gulf Rd. Firefighters were dispatched to the scene at about 3 a.m.

“Thankfully, no injuries have been reported but several families have been displaced and experienced significant loss,” the Murray Joint Fire District stated on its Facebook page. “Our thoughts are with them during this incredibly difficult time.”

Several other agencies provided mutual aid to Murray firefighters including, Clarendon, Kendall, Brockport, Albion, Spencerport, Hamlin, Shelby, Bergen, Medina, Barre, Carlton, Mercy EMS, Orleans County fire coordinators and fire investigation team, Village of Holley Police Department, Orleans County Sheriff’s Office (road patrol, investigations and 911 center), Town of Murray code enforcement and the water department.

“We are incredibly grateful for the brave firefighters who arrived on the scene swiftly and worked tirelessly to keep everyone safe,” The Murray Joint Fire District stated. “The blaze was contained and extinguished before more damage could be done.”

The following departments were on standby to protect Orleans County while the fire companies responded at the scene: Hilton Fire Department, Ridge Road Fire District, Town of Batavia Fire Department and Middleport Fire Department.

“This was a true team effort that shows the strength of mutual aid, coordination and public service in our region,” the Murray Joint Fire District said. “To those affected by the fire, please know that your community stands behind you as your recovery begins.”

‘Dreams require action. They need effort, persistence, and sometimes, a little bit of failure along the way.’

Photos by Tom Rivers

HOLLEY – Neeko Caterisano pops confetti at the end of the Holley’s commencement on Saturday in the school auditorium.

Holley’s Class of 2025 includes 67 graduates.

The class gathered on the football field to toss their caps after the graduation ceremony.

Isabella Emery and Jose-Angel Modesto Valentin, co-vice presidents for the Class of 2025, announce the class gift – $1,300 to both the Holley Community Center and Foodlink. The class wants to help the community center with “their outstanding service and outreach,” Valentin said.

Foodlink also is an important resource in the region and community for fighting food insecurity, Emery said.

“We have been taught here in Holley to not only be good citizens but to also reach out to the bigger community,” she said. “Thank you to the faculty and staff for showing us how important it is to give back.”

The Salutatory address was given by Natalie Foose, left, and the Valedictory address was delivered by Allison Merle.

Both thanked their families, friends and teachers for their support during their time as a Holley student.

“There are so many more opportunities out there waiting for us. Don’t waste them,” Merle said. “Take the opportunities that come your way and make them the best you can because you may never get the chance to do certain things again.”

Foose said commencement “is the peak of hard work, dedication and perseverance, and it is proof to the strength and resilience of each and every one of us.”

She said some of her classmates have clear plans on what’s next in their lives, while others aren’t so sure.

“I do not know why 17- and 18-year-olds must have their lives planned,” Foose said. “But as we embark on this new journey, let’s remember to embrace the chaos and hold on to your dreams and pursue them with passion and purpose.”

Penny Cole was picked by seniors to be their commencement speaker. Cole retired in 2023/24 as secretary for the MS/HS counseling office and as the cheer coach. Cole graduated from Holley High School in 1975.

Penny Cole delivers the keynote address on Saturday. She was picked by the class to be the speaker.

Penny Cole is a member of Holley’s Class of 1975, the last class to graduate from the old Holley High School. Every time she goes by the old school, the memories come flooding back of friendships and she feels pride being a Holley hawk, she told the class.

Cole worked at school district for 35 years as administrative assistant. She was the cheerleading coach for 35 years and won 3 sectional titles and 19 Genesee Region championships.

She is a mom to three children and a grandma to four. In the school building she served as “everyone’s mom” who was always ready with a hug, said Board of Education member Anne Winkley.

 Cole recalled sitting at commencement 50 years earlier, wondering what her future would hold.

“I want to tell you a little secret: that girl sitting in the chair 50 years ago, full of excitement and wonder about the future, she made it,” Cole said. “And she didn’t make it alone. She made it with the help of lessons she learned, the friends she made, the teachers who cared, and the community that supported her. Every time she passes the old school, all those memories come rushing back. She loves that school. And she hopes you’ll feel the same about your time here – that you’ll always look back with pride on the friendships, the experiences, and the growth that you’ve achieved.”

Cole shared advice with the graduates: “Life isn’t easy. But here’s the thing: If you work hard, if you give it your absolute best, and if you never stop learning, you will find that the lessons along the way will serve as your most valuable guide.”

She told the students they are now Holley alumni, and will carry that connection for the rest of their lives.

“Now is the time to turn that energy into action,” she said. “Here’s where your lives begin to change in ways you may not even realize yet. When you walk out of this auditorium today, you will be alumni, representing this community, carrying its legacy wherever you go.”

Their journeys and the pursuit of their goals won’t happen without some challenges and hard work.

“Dreams require action,” Cole said. “They need effort, persistence, and sometimes, a little bit of failure along the way.”

Owen Schultz and Maggie Skehan, co-presidents for the Class of 2025, welcome everyone to the commencement program.

Donovan Hendrick-Hayes is excited to be getting his diploma.

Thomas Brozek stands to be recognized as one of the award winners from the VFW for displaying the qualities of good citizenship and patriotism.

Frances Caraballo-Vazquez is recognized as one of the winners of an award in memory of Keith and Jean Kernan, which goes to a graduating senior “who freely and consistently offers a hug to the hurting, word of encouragement to the discouraged, and who readily welcomes all into their unconditional circle of friendship.”

Tracy Van Ameron, a Board of Education member, hugs Kylee Dann. The BOE members greeted all of the graduates.

Vincent Golisano is congratulated by board member Stephanie Merkley.

MacKenzie Fiorito smiles as she moves her tassel to signify her graduation. She is next to Kaiden Feis, left.

Rebecca Scharping receives her diploma and smiles for a photo with Principal Matt Feldman.

Photos by Tom Rivers

HOLLEY – Elementary students at Holley Central School enjoyed their parade this morning from the school down North Main Street, down Route 31 through the Pubic Square and ending at the Murray-Holley Historical Society depot museum.

The parade has been an annual tradition in Holley since 1957.

Holley Police Chief Robert Barton joined the students in the parade. “Good Citizens” from each grade level also were recognized at the Flag Day celebration.

A student gives a high-five to Orly the Ox, the Orleans County bicentennial mascot.

The procession included about 500 students, and many of them were joined by their parents for the walk in the village to the celebration at the museum.

The Safety Pup rode with the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office. Safety Pup is a nationally recognized mascot of National Child Safety Council. Many police and sheriff departments around the country embrace the Safety Pup as a mascot to promote safety.

After the parade, Orly the Ox met Safety Pup. They are joined by Chief Deputy Jim DeFilipps, left, and Sheriff Chris Bourke.

Lots of red, white and blue were on display as students walked from school to museum.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Local artist Carol Culhane and Orleans County Legislator John Fitzak look at the painting of the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial in Rochester, which Culhane donated to the Holley Village Board on Tuesday night. Nine Holley men were killed in the war and are included in the memorial.

HOLLEY – The Holley Village Board received a special gift Tuesday night from local artist Carol Culhane.

A lifelong supporter of all veterans, Culhane has a special place in her heart for Vietnam War veterans, as her late husband and current husband Jerry both served in Vietnam.

A gifted and self-taught artist, Culhane has used her talent to benefit veterans, including painting the Vietnam Veterans’ memorial in in Highland Park, Rochester.

Prior to Tuesday’s Village Board meeting, Culhane presented Mayor Mark Bower with a painting of the memorial, which includes soldiers from Holley who were killed in the war.

Holley lost nine young men: John P. Davis, David D. Case, Ronnie P. Sisson, David P. States, Howard Bowen, Gary E. Bullock, Gary L. Stymus, George W. Fischer Jr. and Paul S. Mandracchia, all of whom are memorialized on bollards at the Rochester memorial.

“The nine boys lost is the most per capita from any village in the nation,” Culhane said.

Holley has a population of about 1,800.

“We are very pleased with the painting and glad we got to meet Carol,” Bower said. “I am honored on behalf of the village to be owner of this piece of art.”

(Left) Holley mayor Mark Bower holds the painting Carol Culhane donated to the village board Tuesday night. It will be loaned out to historical societies or the library for special occasions, but hang permanently in the village office in the former Holley High School. (Right) U.S. Army veteran Bill Moroz and Dan Mawn of the Murray-Holley Historical Society look at the painting of the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial in Rochester, before artist Carol Culhane donated it prior to the Holley Village Board meeting Tuesday night.

Bower announced the painting will hang in a prominent spot in the village offices, near another framed tribute to the local casualties of the Vietnam War given to the village by an anonymous donor.

Bower said they will loan the painting out to local organizations, including Murray-Holley Historical Society, Clarendon Historical Society and the Holley Library for their special occasions.

In her presentation, Culhane urged everyone to visit the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial in Highland Park. Approaching the park, visitors take what is known as the Veterans’ Walk, on which bricks in the ground are engraved with hundreds of veterans’ names from World War II and beyond. Just past that are flags flying from all branches of the military.

Culhane explained the idea for a memorial was spearheaded by Dr. Barry Culhane, a Vietnam era veteran who, as a medic, took care of napalm head wounds when soldiers arrived stateside.

“He wanted to create a memorial as a tribute to all heroes who fought in the Vietnam War and a place to honor the 280 service members from the Greater Rochester area, who lost their lives in Vietnam,” Carol Culhane said. “Some were also from Medina.”

Ground was broken for the memorial in 1992. The first of 3,401 trees was planted in 1994, and the memorial was dedicated on Sept. 8, 1996.

“The memorial serves as a place of tranquility, education and healing for veterans, their families and the wider community,” Culhane said. “The Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial aims to educate about the war and its effects, and to provide a space for remembrance and reflection.”

On the poster Culhane donated there are six of the nine from Holley – Case, Bowen, Davis, Mandracchia, Sisson and Stymus. Culhane was unable to find photos of the other three.

The concept of Culhane’s painting is the soldiers walking away to rest and peace in the next life. They are in uniform with all the gear they wore in battle. Helicopters are also portrayed, as they played a big part in the Vietnam War, not only providing support in battles, but transporting the wounded out of the battle area.

“There aren’t any words I can say to describe what you feel when walking down the path in the memorial, past each bollard,” Culhane said. “As you walk on the hallowed ground, stopping at each bollard to read the name, date of birth, date of death, branch of service and high school attended, it brings tears to your eyes, and a prayer in your heart that they are all resting in peace. In my generation and beyond, we were all, in one way or another, touched by the Vietnam War and the effects to our country.

“I have been in search of a home for this painting for a long time,” Culhane said. “I am eternally grateful to hand this painting off to the village of Holley to provide a place where people can stop and remember the local boys lost, as well as the 58,211 who gave their last true measure of devotion,” Culhane added.

After the presentation, the board meeting was delayed until 7 p.m. so those present could enjoy punch, cookies and conversation.

For those who would like to visit the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial, it is located on a two-acre site in Highland Park, off South Avenue, near the Al Sigl Center Campus and Elmwood Avenue.

Photos and information from Holley Central School

HOLLEY – Students in the Holley High School Geometry in Construction class tackled a project that is a bit different from the sheds, barns and tiny homes built by the class in previous years.

This year, they partnered with the Village of Holley to build two Gaga Ball pits for the Holley Fireman’s Field.

Gaga Ball is a variation of dodgeball where players stand inside a hexagonal pit and try hitting each other with a ball. If a player gets hit below the waist or knees, they’re out of the game and the last person standing wins.

The class is co-taught by geometry teacher Russ Albright, who retires at the end of this school year, and technology teacher Dylan Sharpe.

“I really wanted to do something for the Holley community, so I reached out to Holley Mayor Mark Bower,” Albright said. “He asked if Gaga Ball pits were something we could do. Once I figured out what they were and saw the direct connection to geometry, I realized this would be a perfect project for my final year.”

Geometry teacher Russ Albright assists students in making a Gaga Ball pit.

The Village and Holley Joint Youth Recreation purchased the materials for the class to build the two pits. Students worked on the project outside of their classroom at the high school. They will be installed by the Village at a later date.

“It has been a really fun build,” Albright said. “I have built houses, additions, replaced windows and doors and all other aspects of building and remodeling, but I have never done anything like this. Students really got into it when Mr. Sharpe and I told them what this year’s project was going to be.”

Holley was the first in the region to offer this class in the 2016-17 school year and laid the groundwork for many surrounding schools to implement programs of their own. Throughout the years, the classes have built two 16 X 20 tiny homes for Second Wind Cottages, a non-profit in Newfane, and four barns and two sheds for Homesteads for Hope, a non-profit in Spencerport.

Technology teacher Dylan Sharpe, left, worked with students on the project at the Firemen’s Field.

Photos by Tom Rivers

HOLLEY – Blake Thaureaux, 3, of Ogden and her brother Conor Russo rides ponies brought to Holley today by Giddy Up Go Pony Rides in Bergen. It was among many activities during today’s JuneFest.

There were about 50 vendors along the canal park path, including several serving up food and cold beverages. Many crafters exhibited creative works.

Celtic Spirit performed at playground pavilion beginning at 12:30 p.m.

A Celtic Spirit musician plays during the afternoon concert. JuneFest concluded with a concert by Beggars Will Ride from 6 to 8 p.m. at Public Square.

Jaxson Deyager, 9, of Le Roy made it pretty far up the 28 ½ foot high climbing wall brought to Holley by Adventures in Climbing from Ontario, NY.

Former Holley Mayor John Kenney, left, and Holley Historian Raymond Santoro relax outside the Murray-Holley museum. The site at a former railroad depot is open noon to 3 p.m. on Saturdays up until November.

Photo courtesy of Rainey Losee: Orly the Ox, the Orleans County bicentennial mascot, visited the festival grounds and got a ride on one of the ponies.

File photos by Tom Rivers: Vendors will line the path of Holley’s canal park on Saturday for June Fest. This photo is from last year’s festival.

HOLLEY – The village will be abuzz with activities on Saturday for the annual June Fest celebration.

The events begin with a 5K near the elementary school. The Holley Rotary Club is planning the annual Jim Ferris Memorial 5K. Click here for more information about the race.

Jim Ferris was one of the top runners in the Rochester region in the late 1980s and early 1990s. He died at age 53 from a sudden heart attack on May 7, 1994.

Mayor Mark Bower said the weather looks good for “a full day of fun” in Holley.

“Enjoy live entertainment, local vendors, food, music and activities for all ages,” he said today in a social media post to the community. “Events will take place throughout the village, including the Holley Public Square, Holley Canal Park along the historic Erie Canal, and the beautiful Holley Falls Park.”

The lineup of activities includes:

• Jim Ferris 5K at 8 a.m.
• Vendors from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Children’s Athletic Parade led by Sal DeLuca, Holley’s Citizen of the Year, starts at 9:30 a.m. with line up beginning at 9 a.m. by Red, White and Moo
• Cardboard Regatta at 10 a.m. in Canal by gazebo
• St. Mary’s Chicken Barbecue starts at 11 a.m. until gone
• Orly the Bicentennial Ox doing meet and greet at village booth from 11:30 a.m. to noon
• Concert by Celtic Spirit at playground pavilion at 12:30 p.m.
• Community Free Library doing book sale and scavenger hunt
• Concert by Beggars Will Ride from 6 to 8 p.m. at Public Square. (The Who Dats kicked off the fest this evening, Friday, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Square.)

The runners line up at the starting line for last year’s Jim Ferris 5K which was organized by the Holley Rotary Club. The race returns on Saturday at 8 a.m. with the sign in outside the elementary school.

DeFillipps served in role for Holley and Murray for 46 years

File photo by Tom Rivers: Raymond Santoro is shown in October 2023 with a copy of his book, “Haunted Holley – Tales of Ghosts, Miracles and Unexplained Mysteries.”

HOLLEY – Marsha DeFilipps has retired after 46 years as Holley’s official historian. DeFilipps also served in the role for the Town of Murray.

DeFilipps has been very active in the Holley-Murray Historical Society. She was influential in establishing the Murray-Holley Historical Society Museum in the old train depot and has led multiple talks and workshops and helped many residents trace their own familial roots.

The depot was constructed in 1907. It was moved in 1988 to Geddes Street Extension and was turned into a museum about local history.

One of the signature accomplishments during her term as historian was her creation of an Index of personal names in Landmarks of Orleans County. To do this, DeFilipps spent many months combing through and extracting every name mentioned in Isaac Signor’s 1894 publication, developing a permanent record of history.

The Holley Village Board accepted DeFilipps’ resignation on May 13 and appointed Raymond Santoro to the role.

“What can I possibly say to acknowledge the many contributions Marsha has made to this village over the course of 46 years of service?” Holley Mayor Mark Bower posted on the village website. “At every turn, with any and every request, or question, she was there to provide any of us the information we were seeking. To say Marsha was a ‘wealth of knowledge’ is simply an understatement.”

Bower during his five years as a village officials said he often turned to DeFilipps for historical photos or information, or for help with some of the village events. .such as research of Myron Holley family when his descendants were welcomed to Holley in 2023.

“Marsha was the driving force in establishing our village’s historical society, now the joint Murray-Holley Historical Society,” Bower said. “On behalf of the deputy mayor and trustees, I thank Marsha DeFilipps for her distinguished service. I thank her for how she advocated for our village and how, as historian, she represented Holley in the best of ways.”

Santoro, the new historian, has been active in the Historical Society since it was founded in 1985. In 2023 he wrote a book, “Haunted Holley – Tales of Ghosts, Miracles and Unexplained Mysteries.” The 144-page book shares some of the supernatural experiences Santoro has experienced or heard about in the Holley area.

Press Release, Holley Central School

MacKenzie Fiorito

HOLLEY –MacKenzie Fiorito of Holley has been recognized by the Monroe County Council of Superintendents as a 2025 Outstanding Senior at the 30th Annual Dr. Michael C. O’Laughlin Outstanding Senior Recognition Dinner on May 7.  One senior from each high school in the Monroe One and Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES region is selected for this honor based on their scholarship, leadership, service and character.

MacKenzie served as co-president of Interact Club, the largest club in the school, where she focused on leading community service projects year-round. She was president of the High School Student Council where she organized homecoming events, seasonal pep assemblies and more.

She was a SOAR Leader where she served as a peer mentor to 7th grade students, a member of the Girls’ Varsity Soccer Team, and a member of the Holley-Kendall Unified Basketball Team which empowered students of all abilities to come together to compete.

“MacKenzie embodies all that Holley stands for,” said Holley Central School Superintendent Karri Schiavone. “She is a champion for students of every ability and represents Holley with her leadership, positivity and compassion. She exudes kindness and strength, making her a true a role model to her peers and perfect candidate for this award.”