Hometown Hero: Hundreds Turn Out To Celebrate Suffern's Grace VanderWaal

It's official. Saturday, Oct. 1 is Grace VanderWaal Day in Rockland County.

Grace VanderWaal, center, poses with Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffee, County Executive Ed Day, Suffern Mayor Ed Markunas, State Sen. David Carlucci, and County Sheriff Louis Falco.
Photo Credit: *Zachary Croce*

Grace VanderWaal and her friends as they walk toward a stage for a reception.
Photo Credit: *Zachary Croce*

Grace VanderWaal, second from the right, cruised down Lafayette Avenue alongside three friends in a parade celebrating her victory on "America's Got Talent."
Photo Credit: *Zachary Croce*

Hundreds turned out to get a glimpse of a Grace VanderWaal during her celebration parade.
Photo Credit: *Zachary Croce*

There were plenty of signs for Grace VanderWaal at the parade in her honor.
Photo Credit: *Zachary Croce*

Grace VanderWaal with her parents Dave and Tina, and older sister, Olivia.
Photo Credit: *Zachary Croce*

Fans were lined up with their phones, ready to snap a picture of Grace VanderWaal.
Photo Credit: *Zachary Croce*

County Executive Ed Day presented Grace VanderWaal with the Key to Rockland County.
Photo Credit: *Zachary Croce*

Zachary Croce

10/02/2016 8:00 a.m.

Having a day named in her honor was just one of many presents Suffern's Grace VanderWaal received on Saturday. A parade was held in VanderWaal's honor after she won NBC's competition "America's Got Talent" in September.

After cruising down Lafayette Avenue in a convertible with three friends, VanderWaal was received by hundreds in the parking lot across from Avon on Washington Avenue.

Suffern Mayor Ed Markunas was the master of ceremony of sorts, introducing official after official who praised VanderWaal for her accomplishment.

"We recognize Grace for her tremendous talent and accomplishments. We're proud to have her and serve as a role model" Markunas said.

County Executive Ed Day presented her with the "Key to Rockland County," the first such recipient before State Sen. David Carlucci presented VanderWaal with a proclamation from the state senate declaring Oct. 1 "Grace VanderWaal Day."

"I just want to thank you for everything you've done in your quest for all the people of Rockland," Day said.

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