On Tuesday, November 10th, on behalf of the Smithfield All Lite Up Parade Committee, and its Chairman, Tommy Winfield, Senator David P. Tikoian presented Gallagher Middle School student, Ben LeBlanc with the parade’s Grand Marshal sash.
The announcement and presentation was made during a school assembly in Smithfield, where Senator Tikoian was invited to share thoughts about kindness and being kind to others.
Ben’s parents Jeff and Dyana LeBlanc, as well as his older brother were in attendance for the Smithfield announcement.
Nominations for Parade Grand Marshal were sought from the community via social media and Ben received unanimous support in Smithfield for having made a positive impact within the community.
Ben started an organization called Benny’s Blankets, donating the proceeds from handmade blankets to organizations such as The Ability Bridge Foundation and Extraordinary Kids Therapy. Additionally, Benny’s Blankets has positively influenced Smithfield through its charitable efforts.
Senator Tikoian shared with the student body a quote from Maya Angelou, “people may forget what you said and they may forget what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel”
“Ben epitomizes that philosophy as he has the ability to inspire those around him, routinely making others feel good about themselves. I, for one, am not only grateful for having met Ben several years ago, but for also forging a bond with this inspiring young boy who spreads acts of kindness through his Benny’s Blankets organization.”
