PHOTO BY BOB ROCHE
Lynn Tech English teacher Jason McCuish, left, and Prudential Spirit of Community Award winner Nelson Barrios stand under a banner in the school lobby.
BY THOR JOURGENSEN
LYNN — He’s done it again: Lynn Vocational Technical Institute senior Nelson Barrios has received another award recognizing his commitment to volunteering.
Barrios learned, this week, he is among six students from schools across Massachusetts and 234 students from across the nation to be recognized as a Distinguished Finalist in The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards sponsored by Prudential Financial.
“It’s purpose is to recognize kids who make a difference,” said Tech teacher Jason McCuish.
McCuish, Tech Director Robert Buontempo and cooperative education coordinator Bonnie Carr have seen Barrios and fellow Tech students tackle one volunteer project after another with Barrios emerging as a leader on several projects.
As a member of Tech’s Skills USA national competition team, Barrios helped win top recognition for Tech’s anti-hunger and homeless assistance program in 2015. Working with classmates, he launched “Stars and Skills” last June with the goal of addressing opiate addiction on the local level.
The program featured speakers and panel discussions and Barrios said students facing addiction have told him Stars and Skills made a difference in their lives. Carr said Barrios sustains his commitment to volunteer work even as he excels in Tech’s cooperative education program and advanced placement classes.
“Nelson exemplifies what a vocational student should be. He is a wonderful role model,” Carr said.
Barrio’ parents, Nelson and Yesenia, moved from Guatemala to Los Angeles 17 years ago when Barrios was an infant. Job opportunities brought them to the Boston area and today they work assembling medical devices. Barrios’ younger brother, David, attends Tech and plays football and the pair have a little sister, Kamila.
David Barrios credits his older brother with inspiring him to do better in school. The younger Barrios holds the top academic rank in Tech’s freshman class.
Nelson Barrios would like to help expand Stars and Skills to after-school programs. In the meantime, he has to find room in the school trophy case for his bronze Prudential Spirit medallion.
“He’s developed into a leader and a role model for all of our students,” Buontempo said.
Thor Jourgensen can be reached at [email protected]
