At December's public council meeting, I was honored to present a very special young lady with ELPD's "Meritorious Citizenship Award". Ms. Keyla Ipina-Aldana of Hirst Ave was recommended for consideration of the award after ELPD Officers and East Lansdowne Elementary School Principal Jennifer Cifuni recounted an incident where Keyla assisted in returning a child in danger to the safety of her home.

On September 29th, 2025, a four (4) year old child was found wondering the busy streets near the school. Teachers and Officers were unable to communicate with the child. Keyla Ipina-Aldana, a student at the school, was called on to help with language translation, at which point Keyla not only provided bi-lingual communications but compassionate leadership in calming the child, directing resources to where the child lived and identifying the issues surrounding the child's displacement.

Principal Cifuni, school staff members and Keyla's proud parents were present for the award. Mayor Bland and President Crosby invited Keyla to wield council's gavel and call the meeting to order after the awards.

"Keyla provided much more than language translation on this day. She showed initiative and natural leadership skills beyond her years. She stands as a shining example of human compassion and community leadership for others to follow." Chief James Cadden

GREAT JOB KEYLA!!!

#delco #elpd #eastlansdowne #littleheroes