Persistence is a key in achieving any goal in life. From writing an essay to pulling off an all-nighter for the forgotten math test, persistence motivates and benefits us in everything we do. For Eddie Reynolds, persistence is a walk in the park, so much so that he is the 2014 winner of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Model of Justice Award.

Since the beginning of high school, Eddie has been volunteering at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Illinois. He works in the dental department, fitting dentures for veterans of the United States. Since volunteering at the hospital, he has accumulated a total of 300 service hours, 200 more than the required amount for graduation. For Eddie, 100 hours just wasn’t enough.

“Once I got 100 hours I didn’t want to stop there. I knew people could still use my help, so I continue to serve, even now,” said Eddie.

While most would find service grueling, Eddie looks at service in a positive way.

“Service can be very fun; it helps if you serve for something you really care about. I worked at the veteran’s center just to help others and serve the people that served our country as I have a great respect for people in the military,” said Eddie.

Eddie had no idea he was a candidate for the award; in fact, he had no idea there was even an award for service.

“Mrs. Eaton just caught me one day and told me about the award. It was very cool to hear Father say it during mass; I was a little shocked there too because I didn’t know he was going to announce it. When everybody clapped, I felt very honored, hearing everyone clap and congratulate me. It was very heart warming,” said Eddie.

While doing service, Eddie has always been grateful for his strong influences.

“I definitely wasn’t alone during my path of service. My family was always there to help encourage me to serve others,” said Eddie.

On the topic of service, Eddie offers key advice: get involved.

“Always try to be a part of a continuous service group. It helps you with service, and you help those involved with the program itself,” said Eddie.

When he’s not volunteering at the Veteran’s Hospital, Eddie enjoys hanging out and playing soccer with his friends. He is a leader for the FCA and the math team for St. Dominic. He plans on attending Missouri S&T to study chemical engineering. Congratulations, Eddie!