In honor of Older Americans Month, 22 Lehigh County residents and one group of about 70 people were honored as part of the Lehigh County Aging and Adult Service’s 21st annual tribute to Unsung Heroes.

One of those honored was Daisy Pearson, of Weisenberg Township.

This tribute honors older adults in the Lehigh Valley who have displayed exceptional generosity with their time and talents to enrich the lives of others in the community.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 celebration looked a little different.

Instead of the annual recognition ceremony, honorees received certificates of recognition, flowers, a pin and yard sign delivered to their homes.

According to her tribute:

“It is my honor to nominate Daisy Pearson as an Unsung Hero for Lehigh County.

“Daisy Pearson is a regular volunteer for the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees Lehigh Chapter and one of the first volunteers to offer her services on all of our projects.

“Daisy helps on a regular basis with chapter projects such as: the collection of food items to be delivered to local food pantries, volunteering at various soup kitchens and food banks and the collection of school supplies for needy children in local schools.

“Daisy has been a volunteer for “Camp Compass” for many years.

“Founded in 1994 by an Allentown School District teacher, Camp Compass ‘helps every urban child in the world become a better citizen.’

“Camp Compass meets weekly, September through May to mentor sixth to 12th grade students.

“Daisy tutors children in math, serves a snack and interacts with them.

“She has served as a member of the Board of Trustees for Camp Compass and participates on overnight camping trips with the group interacting and teaching the children about the outdoors.

Daisy also volunteers for HydroMania, conducted by the Lehigh County Authority.

“This wonderful program teaches third grade students about wells, water pressure, water movement and treatment, pollution and other topics.

“She spends the day with groups of children from local schools and escorts them to the various activities.

Daisy also volunteers for Math Counts.

“This program is sponsored by the Pennsylvania Society of Professional Engineers and is held every February for students in grades sixth through eighth.

“Daisy’s job is to score the first three rounds of the competition where the top individuals then go on to a head to head competition to determine the winner.”

Daisy is in charge of the music program for the Vacation Bible School program offered by her church, where she is known to the children as “Miss Daisy.”

“She loves the children and they love to spend time with her.

“Daisy often invites the children to pool parties at her house and they have a great time splashing, swimming, and enjoying the sunshine.”

Daisy has many interests in addition to nurturing children.

She is well known in the local chapter of PASR and has volunteered for various offices.

“She served as president of the Lehigh Chapter, has led the nominating committee for our region, and is currently auditor and parliamentarian for the chapter.

“Members are actively involved in extending professionalism, dedication to children, and our commitment to education.

“Daisy Pearson exemplifies this mission statement as well as the statement for Unsung Hero.

“She delivers Meals on Wheels to elderly shut-ins, is a member of her church bell and senior choirs and serves as vice president of the church council.

Daisy also works at the food bank for another church serving poor and homeless children and families every month.

“Daisy gives hundreds of hours of volunteer time to her community every year and is always available to add another activity to her busy schedule.

“Daisy takes a leadership role in everything she does and is a wonderful addition to any committee.

“Because of her active volunteerism, Daisy was awarded the NATA With Our Youth! award in 2016 and she received the “Little Red Wagon” for her work with local youth.

“Daisy never boasts, she signs up for activities and dives right in.

“She is a wonderful person and deserves to be honored as an Unsung Hero.”