UTICA -- The Cornhill Community for Change" held its annual Rev. Franklin J. Upthegrove Memorial Wall of Fame Thursday.

Paying it forward and giving back was the theme at the induction ceremony.

Constance Walker-Whitfield was honored for her contributions to the community, and investing in the youth.

The ceremony was held at the Martin Luther King Jr. Dream Park on South Street.

The purpose of the hall of fame is to honor people who have made great contributions to the community. Hall of fame inductees have passed away, but have left behind a great legacy.

The inductees have contributed to community initiatives such as education, politics, culture, and religion.

Community members Remembered Whitfield for her legacy as a community piano teacher.

"She made brownies for the kids, and she was first lady and that brought her a great responsibility, supporting her husband and her community,” Rev. Mary Webster said. “But not only just for this community, but other communities as well. It's about paying it forward. Giving back to a community that has been good to you.”

Whitfield was known to be very active in her church, Hope Chapel. For many years she provided piano lessons for the local youth.

Those lessons were as little as $1 or $, or free for parents who couldn't afford lessons.