FALLSBURG — For the first time ever, the Town of Fallsburg presented a “Key to the Town” to Fallsburg Junior-Senior High School student, Jacob Lawrence, for the artwork he created in celebration of Juneteenth.

“It’s pretty amazing and I’ve felt honored,” said Lawrence after finding out that he was being honored with the Key to the Town.

Lawrence’s artwork was made for and inspired by the Juneteenth Holiday, commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States.

Lawrence, who will be entering his Junior year this fall, said he has been doing art as a hobby but now does it every day and is looking to explore options in 2D animation and character design as a future art career.

Lawrence’s mother, Florence Jean-Louis, accompanied her son to the Town of Fallsburg Council work session on August 15 at Fallburg’s town hall to watch her son being celebrated.

“I’m so excited; what an honor,” said Jean-Louis. “This was just his art project, and he likes to draw, and for the town to recognize his art, I am really proud.”

During the Supervisor’s report, Fallsburg’s Town Supervisor, Katherine Rappaport, presented the Key to the Town to Lawrence along with a framed copy of his artwork.

Additional copies will be displayed at Sullivan County Historical Society & Museum, Fallsburg Town Hall, and Fallsburg Central School District.

Fallsburg Central School District Superintendent  Dr. Ivan Katz and Junior-Senior High School Principal Kyle Roddey attended the council meeting to witness Lawrence receive the recognition.

Katz said, “As Superintendent of Schools, I am exceptionally proud of Jacob and how he is representing the Fallsburg Central School District! His recognition by the Town of Fallsburg underscores what the school district already knows about Jacob; that he is a special young man with creative talent that will take him far. The Fallsburg School Community is proud of Jacob! Congratulations to Jacob and his supportive family!”

Roddey added, “On behalf of the school, we’re just so proud of him. He’s a wonderful, exemplary student in our school, and he’s extremely talented; we know he has such a bright future.”