Local carrier wins state recognition
Erin Perry became a newspaper carrier out of family tradition. Her older siblings, brother, Michael and sister, Bobbi, held the route before her, and as Perry tried to squeeze in time for academics, athletics and involvement in her church, it became apparent to her that any other job probably wouldn’t have worked out for her.
“It’s the only job I have time for,” Perry said.
The 17-year-old Laurel Highlands High School senior was honored earlier this month for her efforts.
She was named the Pennsylvania Newspaper Association’s (PNA) Senior Carrier of the Year.
Perry said she’s enjoyed interacting with customers on her route over the years. She currently delivers to between 75 and 80 homes on Mayflower and Farmview drives and Meadow Lane in Uniontown, Perry said.
She wakes up at 5 a.m., and it takes her anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour to deliver the papers, Perry said. She leaves for school by 7 a.m.
The route has belonged to Perry since her freshman year of high school, but has been in her family for about 11 years, she said.
“My older brother and sister did it, and it just got passed down to me,” she said.
So when they were out of high school, Perry said it was passed on to her, and the route enabled her to make some money.
She is on the Laurel Highlands swim and volleyball teams and other clubs at school and works with St. Theresa youth group.
Perry also is a member of the National Honor Society at her high school.
Last year, the LH swim team won the section championship, Perry said. She is currently the captain of the girls’ volleyball team.
Jeff King, Herald-Standard circulation sales manager, called Perry “a very friendly, well-rounded individual,” who has been successful both academically and athletically.
“Erin has been a very dedicated Herald-Standard carrier for the past four years,” King said. “She always does her best to please her customers and goes the extra mile to accommodate her customers’ requests.”
Perry was honored at the Luncheon of Champions, Newspaper Carrier of the Year Circulation Excellence Awards, held on Nov. 2 at the Yorktowne Hotel in York. It was during that luncheon that she was named Senior Carrier of the Year.
The PNA carrier program, in its 46th year, helps newspapers recognize exemplary carriers. The senior carrier category includes carriers ages 15-18.
Judging was based on how long the carrier worked for the newspaper and what type of sales performance and reliability was exhibited. Personal and community service and school performance also were considered. Carriers also had to write a 100-word essay on why they liked being a carrier.
First-prize winners received a $400 savings bond and a framed award certificate.
With her future in front of her, Perry said she is thinking about going into secondary math education. She’s not yet sure which college she will attend.
She is a daughter of John and Robin Perry of Morgantown Road, Uniontown.