Teenagers Who Saved Family From Drowning Hailed As Heroes

On Monday (August 21), State Senator Patty Ritchie presented four brave teenagers who rescued a family on Lake Ontario this summer with the New York State Senate’s Liberty Award.

This recognition is the highest honor the New York State Senate can award to citizens for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on behalf of their fellow New Yorkers.

During a special ceremony, Senator Ritchie presented the Liberty Medals to Amanda Lloyd, Nathan Tyler, Delaney Ward and Elizabeth “Libby” Conners at the Adams Center Free Library.

“Thanks to these brave individuals and their quick action during a crisis, a family is alive today,” Senator Ritchie said. “Words cannot describe how grateful the entire community is for these teenagers. It’s my hope the brave and selfless actions of these four will inspire us all to act courageously if we are ever faced with a daunting situation.”

On July 9, the four graduates of South Jefferson Central School District were kayaking in South Sandy Creek when they saw the members of the Smith family of Ellisburg struggling in the water.

Amanda Lloyd, Nathan Tyler and Delaney Ward went to their rescue while Elizabeth called emergency officials and directed them to their location.

Jefferson County Sheriff Colleen O’Neill, Jefferson County Board of Legislators Chair Scott Gray, Village of Adams Mayor Philip Chatterton and Town of Adams Supervisor David Kellogg joined Senator Ritchie for the ceremony.

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