CORNING, N.Y. (WENY) -- First Heritage Federal Credit Union honored students across the Twin Tiers in light of the 17th annual Everyday Heroes celebration Wednesday afternoon. 

Hundreds gathered at Corning Museum of Glass to highlight students' efforts locally. First Heritage brought students together to celebrate their acts of kindness in each of their respective communities. Students were nominated for volunteer efforts and mentoring of their peers by the student's respective high schools. The ceremony returned in person this year after taking a 2-year hiatus.  

“Today was very special to be able to have them together in one room and recognize there are great young students in each of our different communities,” Christy Parsons, Marketing Community Specialist at First Heritage, said. “Today was all about celebrating them for their kindness and volunteer efforts.”  

Parsons feels these local heroes don't always get recognition for these actions. She says the goal of the celebration was to make it their day and celebrate their accomplishments.  

“Sometimes you need a little recognition for the things you do,” Parsons said. “Once in a while, it helps keep you going and makes you feel like you're doing the right thing.”  

Williamson Jr-Sr High School senior Leamon Wheeler was the lucky recipient of this year's $1,000 grand prize. He says the award will help kickstart his college experience.  

“When they called my name, I fell out of the chair,” Wheeler said. “I'm going to Corning Community College to pursue my career in business management, and I think this assembly has defined what I want to do and how I want to do it.”   

First Heritage plans to host the award ceremony again next year. A full list of this year's award recipients can be viewed below.