ENDWELL, N.Y. -- A student at Maine-Endwell Middle School is being honored for leadership in his community.

Eighth grade student Donnie Hamer was named the first recipient of Senator Fred Akshar's “Akshar All-Star” student recognition program.

Each month, three to four local students will be recognized for showing leadership, compassion, school spirit and improvement amongst their peers.

Hamer was chosen by his teachers for his passion for helping others and for always having a positive attitude. He hopes to inspire other students to be the best they can be.

"Just show everybody that, like he said, dream big, and you can't come into the world saying 'I can't do it,' with your head down, you've got to come in big and proud with a smile on your face every day," said Donnie Hamer, 8th Grade Student.

Students in Windsor and Harpursville also received the award Monday.