Devoting over 250 hours of community service, plus passing requirements in exploration, physical fitness and personal development, is no small feat.

But Center Moriches High School student Austin Faller committed himself to these goals, resulting in this year’s Suffolk County Distinguished Gold Medal Youth Award.

“This is put out to our district,” explained Legis. Jim Mazzarella, of the award, open to 12-to-18-year-olds in the county. “Austin was the only one to sign up for the award in District 3. It’s a lot of work, and youths have to hit certain milestones in four areas. He received the highest award we give out.”

Austin, a Center Moriches resident, enrolled in multiple AP, International Baccalaureate, and honors classes and maintained a 4.0 GPA with Honor Roll status for the last four years. He logged his 250-hour community service time and participated in numerous leadership programs, as well as participating in three sports on the varsity level in football, lacrosse and wrestling.

Dad Will Faller, a Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department corrections officer, called Austin an old soul.

“Even as a kid, he was very helpful and would go out of his way to do things for people; he had a very grownup personality, taking people’s needs into consideration,” he explained.

Will commented that while his work hours can be long, Austin accompanied him to different charity events through the sheriff’s office as a way to spend time together. “The Polar Plunge, the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics,” he said, among others. “Also, Caitlin’s Vision. I have two boys. They always came with me.”

With mom Maria’s efforts and Will’s, it was pointed out good that parenting had a lot to do with his son’s journey. “We’ve been lucky,” he said.

Austin was asked about some of the specific efforts he tackled. “I helped out with a youth lacrosse clinic and I had to go to Eastport once a week,” he explained. “It was roughly an hour to an hour and a half in a sports complex. If they were having trouble with a skill, I’d help coach the kids. I thought it was a very good experience helping kids with the sport I love to play. That was one of them.”

Austin also pitched in at Legis. Mazzarella’s office. “I had to stamp letters the first couple of days, but also sat in and saw what happened in the office. It was once or twice a week.”

Austin attacked his letter pile with zeal; his was always the highest, Mazzarella said. “You don’t always see the attitude that Austin came here with,” Mazzarella emphasized. “At the time, we were working on a mailing that requires tedious work. But he was here to contribute and please his supervisors. What stands out about Austin is his maturity and self-assuredness. He’s already an adult. He gives you a firm handshake, looks you in the eye and thanks you.”

Austin is heading to Misericordia University in Dallas, Pa., after his current senior year. “They have an amazing health sciences program, and the lacrosse coach reached out,” he said. “I felt it was one of my better options. I do want to pursue health science as a physician or physician’s assistant, or open a gym as well.”