Romaine Campbell
Photo credit: Lindsay Corcoran

SHREWSBURY, Mass. – Shrewsbury High School Senior Romaine Campbell may have cerebral palsy, which poses challenged with his mobility, speech and daily functions, he has not let that hold him back.

Campbell was one of four students awarded the Shrewsbury Youth & Family Service's Outstanding Youth of Shrewsbury award this past Saturday.

"I have some trouble walking and sometimes need help carrying food and books," Campbell said of his disease. "I have grown more independent and I try to do stuff on my own."

While Campbell deals with the challenges of his disease on a daily basis, he has still sought to give back, mostly through his church in his role of Junior Deacon.

"I do it because it's the right thing to do," Campbell said. "It's part of my religion, but also part of who I am."

He's actively worked to help organize the congregation's Thanksgiving and Christmas Food Drives and singing at local senior centers to give seniors some holiday cheer.

"I enjoy doing that," Campbell said. "I think it's a way to communicate and reach out to other people."

"I've always like drawing, ever since I was little," Campbell said. "I love to draw cartoons – anything really."

Campbell became interested in music when singing in the choir starting in sixth grade through his freshman year.

"I love listening to hip hop, reggae and gospel music," Campbell said. "I love Lil'Wayne."

Campbell seeks to pursue a degree in graphic design and hopes to do electronic music as well.

"I plan to keep up with my church," Campbell said. "My mom hopes there is a church nearly whichever college I attend that I can make my church."