One look around the bedroom of Charlie Taylor, and it becomes quite clear this is not your typical teenager.

Take, for instance, an actual metallic star from the Gold Star Mothers. Or the scrapbook highlighting his numerous acts of volunteerism. Or the plethora of scholastic awards gracing his desk.

No, Taylor is definitely not the average kid.

While the 14-year-old Roxborough resident is about to enter his freshman year at Roman Catholic High School, it's safe to say Taylor has probably done more at his young age than some folks twice as old as he.

But Taylor is also humble. Asked why he volunteers to make sandwiches for the homeless at St. Francis Inn in Kensington every Saturday morning, or why he helps out at an area camp for needy children, or perhaps why he finds it necessary to organize a food drive for U.S. soldiers serving overseas, the youngster simply replies: "I just felt like I needed to help them out or something."

Taylor's good deeds haven't gone unnoticed. Aside from his proud parents, Lyn, a nurse, and Charles Sr., a Philly highway patrolman, Taylor's actions earned him a recent appearance on "Going for Gold," a Channel 10 news segment that highlights exemplary young people in the Philadelphia area.

Last week, Taylor played a recording of the segment, as his mom and siblings, Kelley, 10, and Joe, 7, proudly looked on.

 "It's like having a third adult in the house," Lyn said, reflecting on her oldest son's accomplishments, and how they have earned him much recognition. "Kids his own age don't have the same interests as him. He's more mature."

Taylor's humility once again shines when he is asked why he pushed himself so hard in school that he landed award after award, and scholarship after scholarship.

 "It kept me busy," he said matter-of-factly.

While at St. Bridget's School, Taylor served as student council president, and was the lead role in the school play three years in a row.

It could be said his volunteerism started around the time he was in fifth or sixth grade. Here, he came up with an idea to organize a drive to collect supplies for troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. While no family members are in the military, Philadelphia Police Inspector Tony Boyle, who works with Taylor's dad, had been overseas.

So Taylor got to work. He advertised in the church bulletin, seeking basic necessities such as razors and soap, and things to occupy the soldiers during down time such as crossword puzzles.

He even took it upon himself to make 50 strands of Rosary beads, something he "kind of just figured out" on his own. Taylor had them blessed by the parish priest and sent overseas. He received correspondence from soldiers thanking him for his efforts and thoughtfulness; the letters line his scrapbook.

"It was just a nice feeling," Taylor said on hearing back from the appreciative soldiers. "I don't know how to explain it."

Taylor also participates in an annual Memorial Day parade in Montgomery County. He has built his own float the past four years or so. One float contained all the names of those soldiers from Pennsylvania who gave their lives for their country since Sept. 11, 2001. Taylor had no help in researching the names ó he did all the legwork on his own.†

Around four years ago, Taylor gave a speech, (one he wrote himself at age 10), honoring the victims of 9/11. He spoke outside of the Hampton Inn in Willow Grove, where his grandfather works as a chief engineer.

And while he hasn't picked out a career choice just yet, journalism just might be in this young man's future, if his interviewing skills are any sing of things to come.

 Some time back, Taylor, "just for fun," as he tells it, took it upon himself to sit down with Robert Scheer, who served on the U.S.S. Eldridge, the ship that was the basis for the sci-fi book and movie The Philadelphia Experiment. While the ship is said to have disappeared, Scheer was very much visible and intact, something that pleased young Taylor.

"It was actually pretty neat," Taylor said of his first experience interviewing somebody. "I asked him the questions, and he gave me the best answers he could."

One interesting fact Taylor learned was that Scheer claimed to have not heard the infamous tale of the Eldridge until around 20 years after he served on the ship.

But Taylor also hasn't ruled out a career in law enforcement, possibly following in the footsteps of his father, and uncle. (The latter, actually a close family friend he calls uncle, is a state trooper).

Whatever he decides to do, one thing's for sure ó he has plenty of time make a decision. After all, while his resume seems to suggest otherwise, Taylor is only entering ninth grade.

Oh, and in addition to everything else, Taylor has found time to take flying lessons. He has been practicing out of Wings Field in Blue Bell.

"It's cool, it's nice, it's fun," he said of his time spent in the cockpit.

When he's back on the ground, he also finds time to help out at the East Falls Historical Society, where his maternal grandmother, Ellen Sheehan, serves as president.

As the interview wound to a close, the youngster, in typical Taylor fashion, said he would try and enjoy what's left of summer, to take some time to himself, but he wasn't making any promises.

Asked at least if he gets any sleep these days, he replied with a smile, "Sometimes, when I get the chance."

Reporter Jon Campisi can be reached at 215-354-3038 or jcampisi@phillynews.com