×

Laurin Receives Braw Caddie Clan Award

Andrew Laurin, son of Amanda and Michael Laurin of Jamestown, received the Stanley A. Weeks Braw Caddie Clan Award for Excellence (2020), administered by the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation. The award recognizes a JHS senior who exhibits high academic achievement, strong athletic participation, and is a well-rounded, dedicated student.

Andrew graduated eighth in his class, is a member of the National Honor Society and is enrolled at the Rochester Institute of Technology to study biomedical sciences. He is one of two freshmen receiving the RIT Medal Scholarship for computing and community service. He also received the Milton J. Fletcher Award for English, the Jasmine Cantor Award, and a scholarship from the Class of 1950.

His activities included participation in the JHS Marching Band (state champions 2018), concert band, and full orchestra. After being recruited and recommended by professional musicians, Andrew attended a three-week European tour with American Music Abroad. AMA showcases young American role models, presents musical excellence, and expands worldviews. The members toured France, Belgium, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, performing six concerts. The tours ranged from the Omaha Beach Memorial and Dachau Concentration Camp to exploring Salzburg, Austria, a city that celebrates Mozart and the cultural, architectural, and scientific achievements of the Age of Enlightenment.

Andrew participated in YMCA and JHS swim teams, was a JHS co-captain his junior year and competed in regionals. He was a crew member for the Chautauqua Lake Rowing Association high school team.

“I relished opportunities to travel, meet county-wide crew, and serve as an assistant coach with the learn-to-row program,” Andrew said.

He plans to row for RIT.

Over three years, Andrew volunteered at the Robert H. Jackson Center. He learned of Jackson’s Jamestown accomplishments and significant contributions to national and international human rights and social justice. Andrew shadowed several UPMC doctors, viewed an operation, and interacted with the hospital staff. These experiences developed an admiration for health care workers and provided insights for imagining a career in medicine. He also volunteers at the First Lutheran Church.

A teacher wrote the following: “He was a passionate, gifted thinker, with a personal style, integrity, maturity, and global perspective rare for students. Teachers and students found that Andrew challenged himself and those around him, yet he was always kind, humble, and respectful. I will miss seeing his light bulb go off during conversations. If I could, I would claim him as my own.”

Braw Caddie Clan means clan of fine young gentlemen. Andrew and past recipients reflect this attribute as we celebrate the fifteenth year of the Weeks/BCC Award for Excellence. Antonino Mazzurco, Susan Bentley, Vincent Liuzzo, Benjamin Cecchini, Stephen Rabent, Joseph Campion, Nate Larson, Zachary Eklum, Jonathan Healy, Stephen Carlson, Luke Kindberg, Andrew Sisson, Andrew Pumford, Findley Holt are the former recipients. When our committee evaluates the scholarship candidates, it is evident that parents, teachers, coaches, and a host of community members continue to foster character and excellence.

Those who are not on the Braw Caddie Clan email list and want to attend gatherings, contact James Colby (james422colby@gmail.com), Randy Anderson (randy28b@netsync.net), Gary Yager (yager@nm.com), Tom Neelan (tjneelen@gmail.com), or Russ Ecklund (recklund001@stny.rr.com). Members on the email list will receive notification of the date and time for the upcoming award presentation.

Stanley A. Weeks’ extensive service and philanthropy stretched throughout the community. He made legacy contributions to Jamestown Community College, the Robert H. Jackson Center, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, Scottish Rite and Masons, and Fenton Historical Society. He served numerous clubs and held many offices, including the mayor of Jamestown.

To honor Weeks’ legacy and support JHS student-athletes preparing to become global thinkers and excellent citizens, forward gifts to the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation in Weeks’ name.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today