Heartwarming Stories From Lacey: 2022 Year In Review

LACEY, NJ — In spite of what some may think, the world is not filled with just doom and gloom. There are plenty of things to make people smile every day, and the smallest good deed could change someone's life.

In honor of the new year nearly being upon us, Patch took a look back on what lifted us up in 2022. Here are four of Lacey's most heartwarming stories from the past year.

Newly Installed AAC Board At Lacey School Allows All Kids To 'Talk'

Cedar Creek's speech language pathologist Dawn Watson teamed up with school alum and Eagle Scout Sean Collins to get an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) board installed at the playground, allowing all children whether verbal or non-verbal to communicate with each other. "Everybody deserves their voice to be heard," Watson told Patch.

Lacey Moms Donate Breast Milk Following Formula Shortage

When a baby formula shortage sent New Jersey into a State of Emergency in May, two Lacey moms took matters into their own hands. Regina Rush and Michelle Price offered up their own frozen, pumped breast milk to ensure moms in need could keep their babies fed. "I have always felt there is so much unspoken competition between moms and it’s disheartening," Price told Patch. "At the end of the day, we all have a common goal: for our babies to be healthy and happy."

2 Neglected Dogs Dumped In Ocean Co., Now Treated In Lacey

When two neglected beagles were found wandering in the woods in Waretown by the Parkway entrance, Associated Humane Societies Popcorn Park quickly came to their rescue. Renamed Brian and Brianne, the two pups did not let their horrible condition bring them down and were incredibly cheerful and friendly. And if you're looking for even more good news - Brianne was quickly adopted and Brian, now Darryl, needed more help but is now happily living with a forever foster.

Lacey Teen Honored As School's 'Unsung Hero'

What makes an unsung hero? Someone who overcomes great obstacles and does good deeds with little to no recognition. Alyson Bernaldo, a Lacey Township High School student, was honored as an unsung hero at this year's Student Recognition Awards. A child of addicts, she now lives with her loving older brother and through therapy, she achieved great things in school and learned that family is not just blood-related.