Kenneth Lawyer, a junior at Abington Senior High School, was recently highlighted by the Eastern Center for Arts and Technology in Willow Grove for their Community Service Month commendations.

Lawyer is in his first year of Eastern’s Protective Services program. He has served the Abington community as a Boy Scout, as an active volunteer for the Roslyn Fire Company, and as a member of St. Luke’s Faith in Action Youth Club.

From Eastern’s announcement:

In 2018, Kenneth officially became a Boy Scout, spurred by the encouragement of his grandfather, who had a wealth of positive experiences as a Scout. Joining Troop 304, based at St. Luke the Evangelist in Glenside, Kenneth has made notable contributions to the troop’s Council. He actively volunteers at their National Youth Leadership Training program tailored for 13- to 17-year-olds. Engaging in several high adventure trips through the Boy Scouts, Kenneth has recently secured approval to participate in the St. George Trek, a challenging 90-mile hike in New Mexico slated for the upcoming summer. This honor is particularly significant as only two Boy Scouts in the Philadelphia region were selected.

Kenneth plays a highly active role in St. Luke’s Faith in Action Youth program. The group supports various charitable organizations, including The Breathing Room Foundation, which aids families impacted by cancer, the Warminster Food Pantry, and the Holy Redeemer Farm. Meeting every Sunday, the Faith in Action group collaboratively plans their monthly community service initiatives. In addition to his dedication to community service, Kenneth also embraces the creative side of life, showcasing his talents by designing a t-shirt for all Faith in Action volunteers.

Knowing friends who enrolled in Protective Services at EASTERN and being familiar with the instructor, Mr. Michael Raggi, from his involvement with the Roslyn Fire Company, Kenneth identified the program as an ideal fit for his preparation. Actively involved with the Fire Company since 2021 and already certified in First Aid through his participation in the Boy Scouts, Kenneth aspires to become a Paramedic.

Assisting others is a fundamental aspect of Kenneth’s character. He has triumphed over significant health challenges with the support of exceptional doctors and therapists. During his childhood, he faced a series of febrile seizures, necessitating speech therapy. Additionally, he was diagnosed with Autism at the age of two. Graduating from speech therapy last year marked a significant victory for Kenneth.

Kenneth looks to his family for inspiration as he works towards his personal best. His father, a Navy veteran, instilled in him a strong sense of honesty. His mother, consistently kind, is always there for her children while navigating a demanding career. Living with his family, his grandmother has taught Kenneth valuable skills, such as how to cook and sew. “I am incredibly grateful for the strong support of my family,” Kenneth expressed.

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Photo: Eastern