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Staff from the Alzheimer’s Association surprised siblings Michaela, Shauna and Landon Rice with its Outstanding Youth Volunteer awards during a special school assembly on Thursday. The trio was honored for the devoted care of their great-grandfather, who has dementia. The Rice children were nominated by Croghan resident Leah Schneider, a family friend who cited their weekly visits to the nursing home where their great-grandfather lives. The Rice children use their visits to spend time with other residents on their great-grandfather’s floor.

Schneider wrote: “Michaela, Shauna and Landon are taken to visit their great-grandfather each week. Not only do they visit their great-grandfather, but all the other patients on the floor, who adore their bright faces and smiles. The children feel very comfortable and outgoing with their great-grandfather, as well as everyone else, while sitting in their laps and giving hugs.”

News 10 Now covered the presentation and posted the video on their website.

The Alzheimer’s Association, Central New York Chapter presents an annual series of caregiving awards to family and professional caregivers, as well as children who volunteer their time caring for people with a dementing illness. More awards will be presented next week. Stay tuned for more!

Pictured with their awards, from left to right, are Landon, Michaela and Shauna Rice.