Editors note: Matthew Lawson was mistakenly left out of the Focus on Youth section. The Tribune apologizes for any inconvenience.

The most exciting moment of Morristown East senior Matthew Lawson’s life and the cumulation of seven years effort.

In May of 2025, Lawson – who plans to pursue a career in welding – obtained the rank of Eagle Scout.

“I was in the Boy Scouts for seven years. I was a Patrol Leader … I was named Scout of the Year in February 2026,” he said, “The most exciting moment I’ve experienced was achieving my Eagle Scout Rank. It was special because it took years of hard work, dedication and leadership. Finally reaching that goal made me feel proud of everything I had accomplished and the person I had become.”

That person he has become is one who loves the music of Luke Combs and the move “Forrest Gump.” His favorite television show is “Yellowstone” and his favorite book is “How to be a Boy Scout” by Bear Gryllis.

At school, his favorite class is welding and, in fact, he plans to go to the Tennessee College of Applied Technology to make welding his avocation.

“It is hands on, creative and challenging,” he said. “It allows me to use my skills professionally in a meaningful trade.”

In his free time, he likes to hang out and spend time with his friends, go to the movies, play video games, listen to music or be outdoors.

If he won a million dollars, he’d pay off some bill, donate some back to scouting programs and others in need and save the rest.

Lawson, the son of Debra and Mark Lawson, of Russellville, says his mom is his role model.

“She inspired me with her hard work, dedication and the way she always puts others first,” he said. “She has always supported me, encouraged me, and pushed me to do my best.

“She has influenced my life by teaching me perseverance, responsibility and how to face challenges with determination and confidence.”

Asked about a challenge he has faced or overcome, Matthew points to learning to be disciplined and manage his time through school, scouts and other activities.

“Balancing many responsibilities wasn’t easy,” he said. “Learning to stay focused, planning ahead and not giving up helped me to succeed.”

Asked about challenges facing young people today, he pointed to peer pressure, social pressure and uncertainty about the future..

“Many teens are feeling stressed by school, friends, social media and the economy, which make it harder to focus on their future,” he said. “They can overcome these barrier by prioritizing their needs and supporting one and another, by speaking up, by working together and being prepared.”

Asked about what he would change at East High, if he could, he said he’d have more opportunities for internships and job shadowing.

“This would give students more real world experience and help them make better decisions about their future careers.”

Asked what advice he’d give to younger students, the 18-year-old says he would tell them not to stress about having everything figured out.

“Learn how to manage your time; Get involved early in clubs and sports; choose your friends carefully; Don’t be afraid to mess up; Take care of yourself and try new things,” he said.

Asked about the greatest challenge facing the country, he points to deep division between people and uncertainty about the future. “I would address this problem by promoting better communication between different groups and creating clearer and more practiced and precise paths to success,” he said.

As far as the most interesting place he’s visited, Lawson says Sea Base in the Florida Keys was the spot.

“It is a high adventure scout camp located on the water,” he said. “We were able to go snorkeling, deep sea fishing and paddle boarding “