School: Nanuet High School
Andrew will be entering his senior year of high school this coming fall. Yet he has accomplished so much already in his first three years.
First and foremost, he has a strong education base as he is in the National Honor Society, Foreign Language Honor Society and has achieved High Honors all three years.
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He is also in the Applied Science Research Program at Nanuet High School which is run by Thomas Danahy, director of science research. Students start this program the summer between freshman and sophomore years and commit to it for three years.
Over the course of three years they narrow their research to a specific topic. Then throughout senior year they meet regularly with Mr. Danahy to discuss progress on their research. It is an intense and demanding project. However, the rewards are tremendous for the students who follow it through to the end.
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"For my applied science research, this summer I have an internship at NYU studying epigenetics at the Sterling Forest Environmental Medicine site working with Dr. C. Klein," said Andrew Hawkins.
In addition to the science research he is working on completing his Eagle Scout project. He is restoring the 9/11 Memorial at St. Margaret's Church in Pearl River.
"I was walking out of church and as I passed the memorial I thought that it was quite insignificant for a memorial. I knew then that I wanted to restore it. I thought it would be a great way to make a difference and give back to the community," said Hawkins.
He contacted Monsignor O'Keefe and the parishioners at St. Margaret's for their support.
"The outpouring of support has been enormous. The parish has been very generous," said Hawkins.
The project is halfway done as the footing and pavers are to be put in this week.
In addition to becoming an Eagle Scout, Andrew is involved in the Boy Scouts High Adventure. He has experienced the aquatic base in Florida where he did snorkeling, scuba diving and sailing. Even achieving the title first Mate on the sailing vessel Sea Dragon. This summer he is heading to New Mexico to take on the wild west. Here he will experience backpacking, rock climbing and camping.
He enjoys the outdoor adventures and these athletic skills also have translated into sports. He has run Varsity cross county track, played lacrosse and soccer. He received the Varsity Team Sportsmanship Award for Lacrosse.
Another important characteristic of Andrew is that he is quite talented in music. He has been chosen for All-County in Jazz, his favorite so far. And has also auditioned for All-State Jazz solo receiving a score of 95. He is also involved in the saxophone quartet, a NYSSMA participant and is in the TRIAM music honors society.
In his free time he volunteers for Keep Rockland Beautiful, has participated in the Autism Walk, and offers help with other BSA Eagle Projects.
It is safe to say that Andrew is quite an accomplished young man and he still has one more year to shine. We look forward to hearing more about his achievements in the coming year. Best of luck Andrew!
