Schools
Lakewood Teen Wins National Award For Tourette Syndrome Awareness
Hudtloff Middle School student the recipient of youth achievement award at National Tourette Syndrome Association conference.
Kenny Richards is not only a representative of Lakewood, but one for teens across the country with Tourette Syndrome, as well.
Richards, 14, is the 2012 recipient of the national Zak Hollis Youth Achievement Award, which he was awarded at the National Tourette Syndrome Association’s 40th anniversary National Conference in Arlington, Va. The award is given to youth that have presented outstanding achievement in scholarship, volunteerism, special interests, athletics and/or employment. It also recognizes recipients' commitment, service and compassion toward those with Tourette Syndrome.
“It felt great to win this award,” Richards said. “But when you get an award, don’t keep the credit, but give it to the Lord.”
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During his trip last week, Richards, an eighth-grader at Hudtloff Middle School, visited Capitol Hill, where he met with U.S. Sens. Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray and Rep. Adam Smith to discuss the importance of supporting awareness of Tourette Syndrome.
Last year, Richards, who has Tourette Syndrome, received a scholarship to represent Washington and Oregon at the National Tourette Syndrome Association Youth Ambassador Training. As a youth ambassador, he visits classrooms, schools and clubs to educate people on the disorder.
Having such a role means a lot to Richards.
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“It means that I can help every child get through the hardest areas in his or her life,” he said.
Richards’ most important message is promoting understanding and acceptance of special-needs children, with which he has firsthand experience in living with his younger brother, who is on the autism spectrum.
Richards and his mother, Carla, are the co-founders of a monthly support group that includes children with Tourette Syndrome and autism. An average of 25 children attends every month.
In his spare time, Richards enjoys taking his dog on runs, building things, participating in Scouts, hanging out with his friends – and playing “Age of Empires” with his grandfather. He added, “Every time I play with him, he gets beaten by me.”