Gary D. Finch

ASSEMBLYMAN FINCH HONORS PRESTON REED WITH THE

EXCELSIOR AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE

     Assemblyman Gary D. Finch (R,C – Springport) today honored Preston Reed with the Excelsior Award for Excellence.  Tuesday, June 3 is the Assembly Republican Conference’s Disability Awareness Day.  Members honor the extraordinary achievements and public service of those who have overcome physical and other personal challenges.

     “Mr. Reed is an exemplary individual who has overcome personal struggles to become a very productive member of the community who contributes to the lives of many around him,” said Finch.  “I am extremely proud to present this award, and wish him luck in his continued efforts.”

     Preston Reed is a 39-year-old man who has been in ACHIEVE’s Supported Employment program since November 1993.  He has been steadily employed since that time, working at a number of places including the Treadway Inn, Carmella’s Restaurant, Starks Essentials Diner and T-Tran.  Since May 2006, Preston has been employed at Tioga Downs, and takes great pride in the fact that he is an original employee, working there since the opening.

      Preston has lived with his family in Nichols his whole life.  He enjoys walking, biking, cross-country skiing and watching television, and uses his John Deere tractor to mow grass and remove snow.

     As a child, Preston was diagnosed with juvenile retinitis.  Preston has managed his eye problem and has overcome many obstacles in becoming the man he is today.  He has learned to read and write very well and takes an avid interest in the weather, reading the weather section of the paper and watching the weather channel so he knows what the weather is like all over the country.  Mr. Reed is a registered voter and strives to be an independent individual, using public transportation and driving a four-wheeler

     “Everyone can learn a lesson from Preston.  It is an honor to present Mr. Reed with the Excelsior Award for Excellence,” Finch stated.  “Preston, his family and friends should be proud of the life he has created for himself.”

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