Track star from LI honored with key to Hempstead village

The Hempstead Village board of trustees presented Charlene Lipsey, a Hempstead High School graduate and track star, with the key to the village last week.

Lipsey, a 2009 high school graduate who went to Louisiana State University, ran 800 meters in 1:57:38 in July, the sixth-fastest women’s time in U.S. history, according to village officials.

She holds eight records in women’s track and field at Hempstead High School, officials said, and set four Nassau County high school women’s records. 

Several people in the packed audience last week wore blue T-shirts emblazoned with her last name as Mayor Don Ryan handed over the key.

“When Charlene runs, she runs for all of us,” said Michael Higgins, her high school track coach and guidance counselor. “She represents Hempstead.”

Lipsey said she thinks of the village when she’s running in events across the globe.

“When you see your community support you, it’s no better feeling,” she said.