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SHREWSBURY, Mass. – While St. John's High School Junior Kevin Harrington was one of four given the Shrewsbury Youth & Family Services Outstanding Youth award last weekend, he credits all of his inspiration to his autistic twin brother, Robert.
"I look at Robert, who doesn't have the ability to serve, and always felt fortunate I could serve," Harrington said.
Since Robert is his twin, Harrington also felt a sense that it could have been him rather than his brother born with the disease.
For the past two years, Harrington has served as co-captain of "Team Robert" in the annual 5K Walk for Autism, raising nearly $20,000 for the New England Center for Children in Southborough.
The walk helps maintain the school's aquatic center, which Harrington said his brother loves to use.
While Harrington has volunteered for a range of causes, most recently he's been focused on his work with veterans.
Harrington became the Director of Operations for the Worcester United Students for Veterans (WUSV) project after his friends formed the group.
"My grandfather is a veteran, which is the main reason I became involved," Harrington said. "Veterans served our country and they should be served too."
With the WUSV, Harrington works visiting with and making meals for veterans. He said he enjoys the hands-on work, rather than just donating money.
This past summer, Harrington traveled to rural Clearfield, PA, with Habit for Humanity to help build a home for a veteran and his family: a wife, daughter and son, who is on the autism spectrum.
"That was special," Harrington said of Habitat for Humanity. "It made me realize how much we take for granted, that we have a home and are financially secure."
Harrington also served as a Retreat Leader for fellow teens from St. Mary's Church and is active in the church volunteer activities.
"My family always instilled a sense of service in everything we do," Harrington said. He hopes to continue helping others in the most hands-on way possible.
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