Boston Celtics Honor Needham Teen Who Started Nonprofit

NEEDHAM, MA — A Needham teen is getting attention from the Boston Celtics for his nonprofit Catching Joy.

Maxwell Suprenant, 16, is the latest recipient of the Boston Celtic's "Hero Among Us" honor. Suprenant was praised by the team and by the community for his nonprofit Catching Joy. The organization encourages volunteerism and promotes acts of kindness.

Catching Joy has provided aid to over 70 nonprofit organizations and has mobilized over 75,000 people. Additionally, Suprenant is currently on a mission to complete 26 acts of kindness, one for each mile of the canceled Boston Marathon, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This isn't the first bit of recognition Suprenant has received for his efforts. In August, Suprenant was nominated as a Patch Local Hero for his nonprofit. His mother, Joy Olaes Suprenant said "He's an extraordinary leader and change maker – he uses all his gifts and talents to help others."

Suprenant's short film about the nonprofit, “Catching Joy: The Impact of Giving Back” won Honorable Mention in the 2015 White House Student Film Festival. He also delivered his first TEDxTalk titled “Youth’s Passion and Power Can Change the World.”