Lauren Hiller, a senior at Freedom High School, has exceeded what the typical soon-to-be high school graduate has usually accomplished by this stage of life. Lauren has completed over 300 hours of service at different locations in the Lehigh Valley, resulting in various awards and scholarships commending her on her hard work.
"That's the type of person that she is," says her mom, Gladys Hiller. "She is always willing to help out." Lauren has volunteered at St. Luke's Hospital, New Bethany Ministries, ArtsQuest and Freedom High School. Along with her giving heart, Lauren is a straight-A student and is excited to attend Edinboro University in the fall. "She's an overachiever," Gladys says.
But her family are not the only ones who are proud of her accomplishments. Recently, Lauren was awarded the Teen of the Year certificate of recognition from Pennsylvania senators. "We were absolutely shocked when she received this certificate," says Gladys. "It was an honor for her to receive the Teen of the Year award for her significant participation in helping the citizens of Pennsylvania." Along with the certificate, Lauren has been recognized on multiple occasions, attended celebratory events and was granted a $1,000 scholarship. "I never know if someone else is going to call to recognize Lauren for her hard work," says Gladys.
What's next? PBS has invited Lauren to be a featured volunteer on their channel, and she plans on continuing her volunteer work at college this fall. "We are so proud of her," says Gladys. "She has done so much."
