During its January meeting, members of the Hershey Lions Club held its Citizenship and Patriotism event and recognized two first responders and an educator for their outstanding and dedicated service to the community during 2021. All three were nominated and voted upon by their peers. This gathering marked the 36th year that first responders were recognized and the 20th year that educators were recognized. The Hershey Volunteer Fire Company hosted the event.

Among the honorees was firefighter Owen Zarefoss of the Hershey Volunteer Fire Company. Zarefoss began volunteering with the fire company at age 14 in the junior firefighter program. Chief Patrick Leonard commended Zarefoss for going above and beyond in his duties. Leonard also noted that both of Zarefoss' parents were volunteers with the fire department. Zarefoss plans to join a fire department in South Carolina in a full-time capacity.

Chief Garth Warner of the Derry Township Police Department introduced Officer Kevin M. Leiss as the Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. Leiss utilizes his technology skills as a drone operator and during internet crime investigations involving child victims. Warner noted that Leiss grew up in Hershey.

Amanda Ringenbach was presented with the Education Service Award. Ringenbach is a St. Joan of Arc School alumna and began teaching second grade at the school in 2016. She is STEM-certified. When she is not teaching, she volunteers with Four Diamonds.

Sister Eileen Marie McGowan, principal, shared that St. Joan of Arc School is a Middle States STEM-certified school. She also noted that first responders and the school regularly perform training together. Recipients of the Education Service Award are chosen from local schools on a rotating basis.

The Hershey Lions Club has resumed in-person meetings. Lions clubs are groups of men and women that identify needs within the community and work together to fulfill those needs. For more information, visit http://www.hersheylions.org.