Whiz Kid of the Week: Edward Lawson

Name: Edward Lawson

Age: 16

School: Urban Academy

Accomplishments: About two years ago (with some urging from his mother), Lawson started his own business selling balloons and performing as a clown as children’s birthday parties. The company, called BK Balloons, serves Prospect Heights and nearby neighborhoods.

“I just basically taught myself balloon twisting and built it from the ground up,” he said.

His services have gotten rave reviews from the Park Slope Parents blog and A Child Grows in Brooklyn.

“I am so thankful for all this business has bought me,” he said. “It’s been an amazing experience.”

In addition to his business, Lawson is also on his school’s volleyball team, practices archery (he once hit five bull’s-eyes in a row at a tournament), and is an aspiring actor, having been in three commercials and made it to the ninth audition round for The Lion King on Broadway. Lawson is also a part of Global Teens, a leaderships and service branch of the YMCA, which enabled him to travel to Mexico.

Key to Awesomeness: “My mom is the reason for my success,” said Lawson. “She keeps me on task, and keeps me prepared for anything that’s thrown at me.”

He said he learned about business ethics while being home schooled early on, but admits that not being in a classroom with other kids took a toll on his social life. That all changed when he enrolled at Urban Academy, in Manhattan.

“Ever since I went to this high school I feel as if I now have the confidence to speak to anyone,” he said. “This school helps work around my busy schedule and has the most understanding principal in New York City.”