Lauren O’Connor

Lauren O’Conner organized and coordinated a day of service on Sept. 11, 2011, uniting local youth and others to beautify a park. The event culminated with the planting of an American Sycamore tree, the same type found between the World Trade centers on Sept. 11 and a plaque honoring those who lost their lives on that day 10 years earlier and the heroes that responded. This was the only event held in the township commemorating this event and was attended by more than 50 volunteers, including speeches from the mayor and other township dignitories.

Thanks to Lauren there is now a peaceful spot to come and honor the ones we lost. The event inspired other youth in the township to think about doing similar projects in the future, and also, as a result the township arborist is trying to implement a program in which she will work with the youth of the township on similar initiatives.

Lauren’s initiative to create positive action in her community on such a powerful and emotional day is what makes her a Daily Point of Light.