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by Lesley Misko
Abigail “Abi” Dawson thought she was getting dressed for a family dinner. Instead, when she opened the door, she was greeted by Lindsay Mason with unexpected news: Abi had been named Boyertown Area High School’s Senior of the Year.
“I was surprised, and freaking out a little on the inside,” Abi admitted. She had seen her older brother receive the same award in 2020, but being recognized herself was a moment she hadn’t expected.
A senior at Boyertown Area Senior High School (BASH) and Berks Career and Technology Center (BCTC), Dawson has distinguished herself as a dynamic student with passion for service, leadership, and media production. Her academic preferences lie in science and the social sciences. She expresses a special fondness for chemistry— thanks in part to Ms. Wood, who she says, “made science fun.” She also enjoys sociology and psychology.
Abi’s interest in media production began at Middle School East, where she joined the TV News team and Stage Crew. “I like that in production, there’s never a down moment. You are constantly moving,” she explains. That early interest developed into a serious pursuit. At BCTC and BASH, she took telecom classes and built hands-on experience directing broadcasts, including the BCTC graduation ceremony and “Decision Day.” She has also contributed to projects for the Philadelphia Flyers, the Oley Fair, and the Kutztown Dance Competition.
Looking ahead, Abi plans to attend Kutztown University to major in Cinema, Media, and Television Technology. She’ll also minor in Communications and Management. Her eyes are set on a future in live television production, where she hopes to become a Technical Director or Director in broadcasting.
Dawson’s leadership and service are equally noteworthy. At BASH, she serves on Student Council and was inducted into the National Honor Society in 2024. In NJROTC, she holds the high-ranking position of Operations Officer and has earned honors such as the Chief Warrant Officers of America Award of Excellence.
She’s also made her mark in SkillsUSA, competing at the state level in Audio and Radio Production and placing fourth nationally in a Business Commercial competition.
Beyond school, Dawson created her own path in scouting. Disappointed by the limited outdoor opportunities in her local Girl Scout troop, she founded BSA Troop 367G and became an Eagle Scout. Her Eagle project— a food drive in partnership with New Hanover Evangelical Lutheran Church— provided over 200 spaghetti dinners to local families. She also belongs to the Order of the Arrow, Scouting’s honor society, where she mentors younger scouts.
Though active in NJROTC throughout high school, she doesn’t plan to continue in college. “I would not have enough time to commit to it,” she said.
Reflecting on her high school experience, Abi shared a few lessons she’s learned along the way. “I really have enjoyed my high school experience, but if I could change something, I would have been kinder to my freshman year teachers,” she said. More significantly, she wishes she had spoken up more. “I went out of my way to be friendly to some special education students, and sometimes I would see someone giving one of them a hard time. I ignored it, but I wish I had been confident enough to call it out. I would now.”
Despite her many achievements, Abi is quick to emphasize humility. “Awards are not a definition of your character. Receiving this award doesn’t make me better than anyone. I am just fortunate to be recognized,” she comments.
With a future in media, a foundation in leadership, and a steady commitment to helping others, Abigail Dawson heads into the next chapter ready to lead, create, and inspire.
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