Two dozen young people were honored today at the National Liberty Museum.

KYW’s Hadas Kuznits reports that museum CEO Gwen Borowsy says she’s so proud of the kids that were honored at the ninth annual “Young Heroes” award ceremony:

“Every year we say it’s our best year. And this year is no exception.”

Kids that help the community were recognized, like 11-year-old Deana Vega (foreground of photo above):

“I had leukemia — AML. They said that I was in the worst stage when I went to the doctors.”

How did she get through that?

“When I was sick in the hospital, I made cards, I cleaned out the toy closets, I played with the babies, tried to feed them, I helped clean a room out with the cleaning lady — she was my friend. I just did it because I didn’t want to sit there bored.”

Vega also kept herself busy by writing a book about her experience:

“I think it’s going to help the kids and grown-ups a lot to know somebody else’s story.”

Borowsky explains the connection with the National Liberty Museum’s mission:

“Well, in our museum we honor heroes, and we use heroes as a way to tell stories of good character, civic engagement, ways that we keep our community and our nation strong.”

All the kids’ stories are being included in an exhibit at the museum.

(Photo by KYW’s Hadas Kuznits)