Two Needham Teens Honored by Needham Exchange Club

Two teens, a magician and a carpenter, were recently recognized for some of their achievements around town. 

Oliver Dodd and Ned Connolly earned honors from the Needham Exchange Club. The group also awards scholarships and the Youth of the Month and Youth of the Year awards, which they did at their Feb. 7 meeting.

Below is an edited press release from The Needham Exchange Club:

Needham Exchange Honors first Two Youths of the Month

The Needham Exchange Club provides recognition to graduating high school seniors in its Youth of the Month and Youth of the Year programs. Additionally, its Scholarship Program provides recognition and financial assistance for graduating seniors. Two youth were awarded at the February 7th Exchange Club Meeting.

Committee Chair, Michael Greis, presented Ned Connolly, who is the son of John and Patricia Connolly, with a Youth of the Month Award. Ned is a Needham High scholar-athlete who excels at many things including carpentry.

Upon receiving his award, Ned said, "Thank you for this very large honor. I never knew what the Exchange Club did beyond the 4th of July until [I] met with the Youth of the Month Committee. I really enjoy Needham and everything I do. Alot of people in Town make everything work so well.”

Committee Member Joe Burns presented he second Youth of the Month Award to Oliver Dodd. Oliver is the son of Michael and Denyse Dodd and is also a Senior at Needham High School. He is one of the top 10 students in his class.

In addition to being an excellent student, he works with a foundation “My Friends for Life” which was founded by his parents. He participates in research on a very rare form of cancer in high level laboratories. In addition to all this, Oliver is a professional magician, and regaled the meeting with an amazing card trick.