Community Corner

Stony Brook Teen Nominated for 'Power of a Person' Award

The community can show support by voting for Beth Wilder, who skipped having a Sweet 16 party to help children enslaved in Ghana.

In May, Patch brought you the story of Beth Wilder, the Stony Brook teen who chose to skip having a Sweet 16 party and instead asked her parents to donate the money to Touch a Life, a charity that works to end child slavery in Ghana. What's more, she even organized a 3K walkathon that raised another $2,000 for the organization.

Now, Wilder has been nominated for a "Power of a Person" award in a national competition put forth by the publisher of the Ward Melville High School yearbook, Herff Jones.

Wilder's friends and teachers are seeking the community's support to help her win the contest. She is one of 38 people nominated across the nation.

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"Her smile can brighten up an entire room, and I know she is probably one of the sweetest, kindest students that I have ever come across," said Cortney Weisman, a Ward Melville art teacher and yearbook adviser.

Wilder was nominated by fellow student and yearbook co-editor Taylor Mussendon. To vote for Wilder or read more about her project, click here.

Find out what's happening in Three Villagewith free, real-time updates from Patch.


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