Lakes Freshman, Eagle Scout Helps Organize Workshop on Tourette Syndrome in Lakewood

Kenny Richards, Life Scout with Boy Scout Troop 53 of Lakewood and freshman at Lakes High School, is hosting a free workshop as his Eagle Scout Project for teachers, professionals and the parents of school age children on Understanding Tourette Syndrome and Individual Education Programs (IEP’s).

The event will take place on Saturday, May 11 from 9 a.m. to noon at Clover Park High School, Performing Arts Center located at 11023 Gravelly Lake Drive S.W. PAVE (Partnerships for Action, Voices for Empowerment) parent training and information will be provided. Clock hours are available for teachers and the workshop is open to all school districts.

Kenny, diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome (TS) himself, was chosen in 2011 on scholarship to represent Washington and Oregon at the National Tourette Syndrome Association (TSA) Youth Ambassador Training Program which is held annually in Washington D.C.  As part of the training Kenny met with Washington State Senators and Congressman on Capitol Hill promoting TS Awareness. As a TSA Youth Ambassador, Kenny visits schools and organizations educating students, teachers, parents and the public on TS.

As a result of his efforts as a Youth Ambassador and support group leader for special needs children (a group founded by he and his Mother in 2011), Kenny was chosen again on scholarship as a delegate of the Tourette Syndrome Association of WA/OR to attend the 2012 National Tourette Syndrome Association Conference held in Arlington Virginia. Kenny again met with our Senators and Congressman on Capitol Hill informing them of his progress as a Youth Ambassador and asked for their continued support in promoting TS awareness. While at the conference Kenny was awarded the 2012 National Zak Hollis Youth Achievement Award. After hearing of Kenny’s national accomplishments, Washington State Congressman Adam Smith contacted Kenny and honored him in the Congressional Record of the United States House of Representatives in June of 2012.

To find out more about Kenny’s endeavors you can visit his Blog “The Traveling Tic” at http://thetravelingtic.blogspot.com. To register for the workshop please email carlacrichards@yahoo.com.

Please refer to attached flyer for more information. If you would like to make a contribution to the costs associated with Kenny’s Eagle Scout Project please make check out to Boy Scout Troop 53 and mail check to Little Church on the Prairie, Attn: Boy Scout Troop 53, 6310 Motor Ave SW Lakewood, WA 98499. Please indicate on check “Kenny Richards Eagle Scout Project.”