Jason Merritt/Getty ImagesJennifer Lawrence is on the receiving end of another important award!
The 22-year-old Oscar-winner, and Kentucky native, will be honored with the Down Syndrome of Louisville's Friendship Award next week, a spokesperson for the organization tells E! News
The Hunger Games star's brother Blaine Lawrence (pictured here on the right) and his fiancée will accept the award on behalf of his famous sis on Apr. 26 at the organization's Kentucky Derby bash, the Mint Jubilee Gala. Lawrence is unable to attend because she'll be filming in Hawaii.
J.Law is getting the award to honor her friendship with Louisville local Andy Strunk, who has Down Syndrome.
"Jennifer and Andy Strunk (a member of Down Syndrome of Louisville) have been friends and neighbors since their middle school days," the spokesperson says. "Jennifer and Andy enjoy a loyal friendship of mutual encouragement and enjoy each other's company and humor. They text and speak on the phone quite frequently. Their families stay in close contact and continue a friendship too."
Lawrence's family has a long history with Down Syndrome of Louisville. Her grandfather and uncle throw an annual Christmas party for the organization, which she has attended and even volunteered at.
"Our members and staff of Down Syndrome of Louisville are so very proud of Jennifer for staying true to her Louisville hometown roots while she achieves global recognition for her craft as an artist," the spokesperson says. "We are thrilled that Andy will present the Friendship Award to her family."
The rep added, "To quote Andy, 'Jen is my friend!'"
—Reporting by Ruth O'Neill