Loveland twins honored at Leaders & Legends luncheon

Hannah and Alex Laman, 11-year old twins from Loveland, received the New Century Youth Leadership award during the United Way Leaders and Legends award banquet May 6 at the Duke Energy Center.

They were honored for their work founding the Adopt a Book program in 2012. In the nearly three years since, the twins have collected and distributed more than 40,000 books to more than 47 schools, groups, programs and United Way partners. They were introduced to the crowd of about 700 by United Way board member, Penny Pensak of the U.C. Health Foundation.

"Our final leadership award underscores the value of youth volunteerism and the role it plays in developing future leaders," Pensak said as she called the twins to the podium to receive their award. "This year's recipients are among the youngest ever to receive the award, Alex and Hannah Laman, who were just 10 when they were nominated."

Their mother, Angela, watched with family and friends at a table in the audience as her husband, Brent, made the presentation to their children. He recalled how, a little over two years ago, a news story inspired the twins to start Adopt a Book because, they said at the time, "kids need books."

"Little did we know this would be the start of their inspiring journey to make a difference," Brent Laman said. "We are most proud and happy to see their commitment and passion in merging two very wonderful qualities; the joy of reading and the compassion for others. These are a great example of two young people living united."

Upon receiving the award and sharing a hug with dad, the twins each took the podium to share a few remarks of their own. Alex started by thanking the United Way for the award and a "special thanks" to Sally Aiken for the nominating them, his parents, school friends, community, and businesses for support and resources for Adopt a Book.

"Think about what it would be like not reading, or not knowing how to read," he said. "One of our goals for Adopt a Book is to collect two-million books by age 16 and I hope you will join us in helping give more books to kids. Thank you and keep on reading."

Hannah echoed the thank you message to family, friends, community and businesses.

"I'd also like to thank my mom for driving us just about everywhere to pick-up and deliver over 40,000 books, and my dad who gave up his half of the garage for our mountainous supply of books," she said. "How would you feel if you never had access to a book, or never, ever owned a book at all? I hope every kid has the opportunity to find that book they read over and over again. Congratulations to all the other award winners."

Their story earned them the youth leadership award, but the remarks of Alex and Hannah captured the hearts of their audience. The crowd of 700 rose to their feet with applause to close out the ceremony which saw eight people receive community service awards and six others join the twins in receiving leadership awards.

"I was extremely nervous for them. I wondered how the speech would go for them," Angela Laman said. "A very proud moment for sure; it was very exciting."

More on how you can help the Adopt a Book program at: www.adoptabookohio.org.