WOODBURY, MN (WNN) – Joe Yapp, a local high school student and Eagle Scout candidate, has been named a 2025 Lovis Hero Award recipient by the Lovis Foundation for his exceptional efforts in autism advocacy and education.
Yapp, who was diagnosed with autism at the age of three, created a comprehensive Autism Acceptance and Awareness Campaign as part of his Eagle Scout service project. His initiative, originally intended to benefit Math and Science Academy where he is currently a junior, has since gained regional attention and has been adopted by other school districts, corporations, and scout troops.
The campaign includes daily school announcements, weekly advisory lessons, administrative engagement, and a self-designed website titled the Autism Awareness Project. The site serves as a free educational resource aimed at helping the public better understand autism and how to support individuals on the spectrum.
“Joe’s campaign is about more than awareness—it’s about changing culture,” said Rene Eisele, founder and president of the Lovis Foundation. “He’s helping students, teachers, and entire communities see autism through a lens of understanding, not judgment.”
Yapp says the project was inspired by his own experiences growing up on the autism spectrum.
“Autism has always been part of my daily life,” Yapp wrote on his website. He acknowledged the benefit of his parents seeking answers, strong family support, and access to therapy services.
“However, I have experienced bullying and isolation from people not understanding me and autism,” he added.
Determined to create a meaningful Eagle Scout project, Yapp chose to go beyond the traditional physical construction tasks. His goal was to make a lasting social impact. “I realized that there is minimal recognition of Autism Awareness Month as compared to other monthly celebrations.”
Some of the topics included in the campaign include What is Autism, How Autism Affects People, Discrimination, Common Myths and Misconceptions about Autism, and ideas for daily school announcements and Spirit Days.
“My hope is that people on the Autism Spectrum will feel a sense of belonging and that they are just as deserving to be celebrated as other groups who are, and those in their communities will gain a greater understanding of what Autism is, so together we can live in a more inclusive world. “ Yapp added.
The Ohio-based foundation presents the Lovis Hero Award annually to individuals who demonstrate outstanding leadership and advocacy in support of underrepresented communities. Yapp is one of a select group of honorees for 2025.
