Galesburg piano teacher Mary Harlan loves teaching teens how to play the piano.
"They can be playing soccer. They can be doing ballet. They can play basketball as kids, as young adults," Harlan said. "But when they become 60, 80, or 90, they probably aren't doing those things, but they can play the piano."
Harlan has about 40 people she gives lessons to. Some of the lessons are done inside the Covenant Church in Galebsurg. That work has become very inspiring to people like Christine Bailey, so on Thursday, April 28, 2016, Bailey nominated Harlan for a Pay It Forward Award, sponsored by Ascentra Credit Union.
Harlan says that she enjoys teaching the piano so much, because she loves to help those that are less fortunate.
"We have so many kids that come to our church on Wednesday nights that don't come with their parents," Harlan said. "They just need some assistance. They need some help."
Harlan tries to do as much as she can for the community, whether it's teaching people the piano, or baking food for somebody going through a tough time. Harlan says her faith in God helped her win the award. She also has no plans of quitting anytime soon.
If you know of someone doing great things in the community, nominate them for a Pay It Forward Award, by clicking here.