-
May 16, 2008 8:23 pm US/Central
-
Digg |
Facebook |
E-mail
|
Print
Graduates Astound: Teen 'Hangs With Older Crowd'
(WCCO)
Parents sometimes worry when their teenagers start hanging out with an older crowd. It can mean trouble, but not in Andrew Becklin's case. The Mahtomedi High School senior calls Bingo every Saturday at Lakeview Commons, an assisted-living center in Maplewood.
His family describes Becklin as a shy guy, but something seems to take over when Becklin's at the center.
"I think because of my choir background," Becklin explained. "I am loud, and my grandmother was hard of hearing. Nana was hard of hearing. So I was always used to projecting and making sure my voice was clear and loud."
Becklin's affection for his grandmother is clear. When Mary Jane Ciccone moved to Lakeview Commons a few years ago, her grandson visited her and her friends every week.
"She just loved everyone," Becklin said. "It didn't matter who you were. And she would never say anything to make someone feel bad. She was the closest thing to perfect I can think of."
Becklin won't ever forget one day in April 2007. He was studying for the AP Calculus exam when his family got some bad news. He learned his Grandma had died.
"We knew it," Becklin said. "But you're never prepared for it. It was tough."
Heartbroken, Becklin had a tough time focusing on school. Then he did something surprising. He went back to Lakeview Commons and Nana's friends.
"She had so many friends down there and I just thought that I should get involved," the graduate said. "And I was thinking, 'What could I do?' And it just -- Bingo. Because she loved Bingo. And I thought, 'well let me get involved with the Bingo program.' Because that's what she would have wanted."
Jen Rasmussen works with volunteers at Lakeview Commons. She nominated Becklin for WCCO's Graduates Astound project. She says she's never met a teenager quite like him.
"I just think he is a very unique kid, his passion and dedication for the seniors," said Rasmussen. "When he has spare time he'd rather be serving the community or serving the seniors rather than going out, running around with his friends."
Becklin's Bingo days are ending. He's going to Luther College in Decorah, Iowa this fall on a math and music scholarship. He's already landed a part-time job as a teaching assistant in the math department.
Nonetheless, he wants the game to go on. He's even got a replacement in mind: his younger brother Stephen.
"(He) hasn't gotten into the volunteering yet," Becklin said. "I will make sure he does though. He'll get involved. He'll fill my shoes, if I have my way."
(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)