STANDISH – It’s been a busy spring for Sydney Gillingham of Standish.

The George E. Jack School fourth-grader has helped save a life, run a nonprofit business, and received a standing ovation from the Maine House of Representatives. Oh, and she celebrated a milestone birthday. Just a few days ago the Royal Pines resident turned 10.

“It’s been pretty good,” said Gillingham. “I think going to the State House was the best.”

In May, Gillingham was invited to Augusta by Standish Rep. Mike Shaw, where she was presented with a special Legislative sentiment for her community service.

“Sydney was very deserving of the award,” said Shaw who wrote and submitted the sentiment. “It’s great to know we have kids in our community that are not only great students but are great contributors to our community.”

After Shaw listed Gilligham’s accomplishments and handed her a certificate, House members gave her a standing ovation.

“That,” said Sydney, “was very cool.”

Gilligham’s community involvement started at a young age. With the help of her mom, when Sydney was 8 she opened Sydney’s Closet, a place where girls can get free, gently used dresses for events such as a father daughter dance, Easter, or church.

“It gives them a chance to go to something they might not be able to,” said Gillingham. “Especially the Father Daughter Dance.”

Located at Catherine’s Cupboard and open only in spring, the closet has given out 58 dresses in just two seasons.

Along with running a successful nonprofit, Gillingham volunteers at Catherine’s Cupboard, is an active Girl Scout, and participates in fundraisers for the Ronald McDonald House in Portland.

“She’s always been a very compassionate girl,” said her mother, Pam Gillingham. “We have always tried to foster that.”

Just recently, Sydney Gillingham showed her compassion and intelligence by helping save a life on the playground at school.

“We had an incident on the playground and we needed help immediately,” said Gillingham’s teacher, Cathie Bunk. “Sydney remembered that a substitute teacher at our school that day was a certified EMT and told us where we could find her. She did great.”

Her quick thinking was not only instrumental in getting help to her peer, but it earned her an Act of Kindness Award.

“She’s a wonderful student,” said Bunk. “She’s kind, friendly, and hardworking, she always helps others solve problems, and after helping her peer I wanted to recognize her.”

Gillingham plans on continuing her community service for years to come.

“When I am older, I think am going to be a veterinarian so I can help animals,” said Gillingham. “I also will still be volunteering at Catherine’s Cupboard, or maybe another food pantry. I just like helping other people. It feels really good.”

No matter what Gillingham decides to do, all are confident she will excel.

“That girl is going places,” said Bunk. “That’s for sure.”

Rep. Mike Shaw, D-Standish, stands with Standish resident Sydney Gillingham after the 10-year-old was presented with a special Legislative Sentiment at the Maine House of Representatives for her community involvement. (Courtesy photo)