“I think about keeping it neat, or making it neater,” he explained with a shrug and a smile. “I really like architecture; maybe that’s why.”

TJ has been helping out family members, neighbors, and more recently, residents across Newtown, with landscape work ranging from edging sidewalks to mowing lawns and moving mulch.

He was recently named Newtown Youth Services’ July Employee of the Month

“The job bank is great,” TJ said. “Practically every day there are new emails about someone wanting a job done!”

Upcoming 2004-2005 NYS job coordinators Shannon Hayes and Erin Clark agree that TJ is a deserving employee largely because of the sheer number of jobs he completes.

“He’s busy a lot,” said Shannon.

Current job coordinator Erin Hayes, who is preparing to leave for college this fall, praised the strong reviews he’s received from his clients for his reliability, as well as the quality of his performance.

“I like doing landscaping because it’s a really laidback job, flexible, and I try do the best job I can,” said TJ. “I like earning my clients’ trust.”

One of his clients was Mark and Susan Dennen.

“He did a variety of yard work for me,” Mr Dennen said, “including moving some mulch, cutting down some brush, and even edging the flowerbeds. It looked really good!”

Mr Dennen said the appreciated TJ’s ability to “think outside the box.”

“He was very innovative,” he said. “While I provided a cart, he brought his own ATV! It was great that he had that.”

TJ, he continued, was prepared, “always respectful” and willing to work hard. “He did a good job,” Mr Dennen said.

In addition to serving his many clients, TJ works as a caterer at Two-Steps Restaurant.

“We set up at all kinds of events,” he said, “wedding and banquets and things like that.”

He dreams of managing his own restaurant and is considering attending culinary school after high school.

“I’d love to own a steak-and-seafood restaurant,” he said.

TJ is also a counselor-in-training for Newtown Parks and Recreation.

During the school year, TJ balances landscaping duties after school and on weekends with playing hockey and baseball, depending on the season.

He also serves as treasurer of the Newtown High School Youth Advisory Board, a community service organization managed through Newtown Youth Services. “We do all kinds of [community service] activities,” he said. “Last year, for example, we made blankets for children in need.”

Keeping busy is never a challenge for TJ, and he said he appreciates the opportunity to “help others.”