PARSIPPANY — Senator Joe Pennacchio, Assemblyman Jay Webber, and Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce (all R-26) visited Parsippany High School on Wednesday, March 13 to thank the five senior boys who shoveled their neighbor’s driveway after a snowstorm, ensuring she could be safely transported to dialysis amid the weather.
“We are very proud of this group of senior boys and all of the good that they do. Patrick, Tyler, Amon, Justin and Chris (and many of their friends) have made a commitment to service throughout their four years and have had a tremendous impact on our school and community. This instance is indicative of the type of students, leaders and people they are. They are truly pieces of work, and we’ve been lucky to have them here,” said Dr. Denis Mulroony, Principal of Parsippany High School.
Shoveling a neighbor’s driveway may seem like a simple act of kindness, but in this case – it may have very well saved a woman’s life,” Pennacchio said. “We all know the severe injuries one could suffer from as a result of a slip and fall on an icy day. Without the boys’ help, she may have missed her treatment. Parsippany is a stronger community because of their actions.”
Pennacchio, Webber, and DeCroce presented ceremonial resolutions to Justin Stanton, Patrick Lanigan, Chris Leibfred, Tyler Grieco and Amon Sharafi for their good deeds. Their benevolence gained local, state, and national attention.
“These young men set a standard for all of us to live up to,” said Webber (R-Morris). “They selflessly placed the interest of their neighbor above their own, sacrificing sleep and energy so she could receive life-sustaining medical care. Our gratitude was well earned.”
Their neighbor, Natalie Blair, is awaiting a kidney transplant and requires daily dialysis. On March 4 at 4:00 a.m., the five boys cleared 8 inches of snow from her driveway so an ambulance could transport her to her medical appointment.
“You worry when teenagers sneak out of the house at 4 in the morning,” said DeCroce (R-Morris). “These friends weren’t looking for trouble. They went out in the snow to help a person in need who hadn’t even asked for assistance. The world would be a better place if more people cared this much.”
“These ‘snow angels’ displayed true selflessness,” Pennacchio added. “Justin, Patrick, Chris, Tyler, and Amon have proven that it’s always important to help people in need, no matter the weather. On behalf of our entire community and this Legislature, it is my privilege to thank them for setting an example for our entire community – and the nation.”
A copy of the ceremonial resolution:
