This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Schools

Whiz Kid: Josh Aurand, a Leader in Training

Moravian Academy youth finds meaning in volunteerism, community organization.

While many kids his age were at the pool, the mall, or a part-time job over summer vacation, Josh Aurand, 16, was seeking out opportunities to bring purpose and meaning in his life.

Because of his academic excellence and high SCAT  scores, this Lower Nazareth lad was invited to attend the John’s Hopkins Center for Talented Youth Summer program at the Peabody Campus is Baltimore, where he participated in the Civic Leadership Institute.

“I left with a sense that I owe it to myself and those around be to do service,” said Josh. “Service should have direct contact with people.”

Find out what's happening in Bethlehemwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

This service learning program introduced Josh to the complex social issues plaguing communities like poverty and homelessness. The academic side provided strategies, developed leadership skills and provided the tools to enact positive social change through community organization.

“We got samples of what service is like,” said Josh. “We worked a soup kitchen, helped build a house and did landscaping for a neighborhood school in Baltimore.” 

Find out what's happening in Bethlehemwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Working with the homeless was an “eye opening” experience for Josh, breaking down myths about how and why people are homeless.  “They weren’t the people you would have expected, they weren’t from bad conditions” said Josh.

An active member of his Allentown congregation at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Josh participates in worship as a lector, serves breakfast to the neighborhood and participates in neighborhood outreach events as his academic and extracurricular schedule permit.

Josh’s was inspired by the lay leadership of his father, Mark, in the church’s effort to create an inclusive and dynamic congregation that takes into account the needs of the surrounding Allentown community. 

He lists among the many gifts that are a consequence of his “privileged” status affluence, stable household, intact family, education. It is because of this awareness of privilege that he believes it necessary to give back to the community and to help those who have not been fortunate enough to experience the blessings he has. Josh does not feel that service is an obligation but a choice. 

Josh doesn't boast about his academic success, though he is an A student with a GPA of above 4 at Moravian Academy where he takes honors courses. He enjoys ping-pong, photography and music.

For the past three years, he has participated in cross country running which he refers to as a “lifestyle” and participates in the Chamber Singers, Coda Red (Moravian Academy’s a capella group), and was elected co-president of the junior class. Last year he was a class representative. 

“I want to make our grade feel closer with bonding activities along with fundraising for the Junior Prom,” said Josh.  Bringing people together seems to be a common theme is Josh’s efforts.

In describing his key to awesomeness Josh said, “I’m a compassionate person, fairly responsible and invested in the things I do.”

His mother, Teresa, would say that it is his deep compassion, empathy and self-awareness that sets him apart as a “quiet” leader. Josh does not do community service for a badge or recognition of any kind. He does not do it to feel important or valued. His is a quiet leadership and dedication to service that exhibits the rare virtue of altruism and duty.

“When he has a goal set for himself, he will buckle down and make the necessary sacrifices to achieve the long-term goal,” said Teresa.

 “I work hard and this is generally why I have good grades,” said Josh.“I think the church connection is important because without church, I wouldn’t feel like I had a connection to the outside world.”

In the future, Josh intends to continue church based service and can see himself involved in community service when he gets to college. He is interested in putting his leadership skills to use in community organization working for either a church or a non-profit organization.

Although Josh doesn’t need or want the recognition, it is important to recognize those who make a difference in our communities which is why Josh is this week’s whiz kid.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?