LANSING, NY (607NewsNow) — Two Lansing High School students were nominated for and became the recipients of Cayuga Media Group’s Distinguished Youth Award for this month, read the speeches given by Dan Newton below to learn more about why they won.

“Teija Kimball,
On behalf of the Cayuga Media Group, it is with great pride and pleasure that we announce you as the recipient of this month’s Distinguished Youth Award. Your exceptional achievements, dedication, and well-rounded excellence make you a standout individual, and we are honored to recognize your hard work. You have demonstrated a remarkable commitment to both your academic and extracurricular pursuits. Your impressive list of accomplishments includes:
  • 2nd place at the state level CNA competition for the 2024 Skills USA event,
  • 3rd place in medical math at the regional level,
  • 1st Year Nursing Assistant Highest Achiever Award,
  • Participation in the NYSSMA event, where you prepared musical pieces and scales to be judged and reviewed.
Looking ahead, we are excited to see you gain HHA clinical experience this November while also working towards your New York Advancement Regents Diploma this spring. You are a shining example of someone who balances academics, athletics, and leadership with grace and determination.In addition to your academic achievements, you are a varsity athlete in track and field, a leader in both NTHS and HOSA, and have earned Honorable Mention at the Scholastic Art Awards. Your recognition for academic excellence further showcases the remarkable balance you maintain between your commitments.
For all these reasons and more, we are proud to award you the Distinguished Youth Award. Your ability to excel in so many areas exemplifies what it means to be a dedicated and outstanding young individual. This award is made possible through the generous support of our sponsors: Bangs Ambulance, Bernards Custom Logo of Cortland, Ithaca Applebee’s, TST BOCES, and the Cayuga Radio Group.
Congratulations, Teija, and thank you for setting such a high standard of achievement and excellence. We look forward to seeing all you continue to accomplish!”
Teija Kimball, Distinguished Youth Award recipient.
Teija Kimball, Distinguished Youth Award recipient.
“Alexis Heck,
It is with great pleasure that I write to inform you that you have been selected as the Distinguished Youth Award Winner for your exceptional dedication, outstanding work ethic, and impressive contributions to your community. Your accomplishments, both inside and outside the classroom, have truly set you apart as a leader among your peers. Your work at various local organizations, including your roles as a cashier, waitress, referee, volunteer instructor, and your consistent involvement with community initiatives such as Cops Kids and Toys, the Thanksgiving feast, and Adopt-a-Highway, reflects your deep commitment to service and personal growth.
Furthermore, your academic achievements, particularly your status on the High Honor Roll and your certificate completion in Public Safety and Emergency Services from TST BOCES, underscore your commitment to excellence. Your recognition as Student of the Month in December 2023 further exemplifies your leadership qualities and strong sense of responsibility. We also recognize your ambition to pursue a career in Criminal Justice and Emergency Response, as demonstrated by your current internship goals and interest in contributing to public safety.
Your passion and proactive approach to furthering your career are admirable and inspiring to others. Please accept this award as a token of recognition for your hard work, resilience, and the positive impact you have made in your community. We are confident that your future holds great promise, and we look forward to seeing all the wonderful things you will continue to accomplish.
Congratulations once again, Alexis, and best wishes as you pursue your future endeavors in criminal justice and emergency response.”
Alexis Heck, Distinguished Youth Award recipient.
Alexis Heck, Distinguished Youth Award recipient.