Westhampton Library Honors Young Local Hero

WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NY — A fourth grader from Westhampton Beach may be young, but she's made a big difference in her life.

To shine a spotlight on the girl's accomplishments, the Westhampton Free Library, as part of a new community recognition initiative, will honor its third local hero, Morgan Deverna, a student at Westhampton Beach Elementary School, on April 11 at 7 p.m.

The library’s tween department selected Morgan for her "unwavering commitment to helping her peers and the community", a release said.

“The library is impressed with Morgan’s resolve to go out of her way to help those around her,” said Library Director Danielle Waskiewicz. “She is a true community hero.”

Morgan was nominated for the recognition by her teacher, Jennifer Wagner. “She’s always making others smile,” said Wagner. “She shares and helps her fellow students and is a wonderful choice for a hometown hero.”

Morgan also devotes time to school community service projects, including the Waves Environmental Club, where she helps with recycling efforts and brainstorms ways to help clean the planet, the Library said.

Outside of school, Morgan gives back as junior Girl Scout with Troop 521. As a Scout, she has served food at homeless shelters, collected toys for children in need and made cookies for children at the Ronald McDonald House, the release said.

Morgan is also an aspiring young dancer and actress, taking musical theater dance classes at the Dance Centre of the Hamptons and acting courses at the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center. She also plays basketball with the Hampton Youth Athletic League.

Photo courtesy of the Westhampton Free Library.