Los Angeles Star Student: Volunteer, Nonprofit Founder, Speech Champ

LOS ANGELES, CA —Star Students are found in classrooms, on concert and theater stages and at debate lecterns, and out in the community doing good things to make life better for all of us.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize Star Students, and we’re working to tell the stories of these outstanding kids to their neighbors.

This submission comes from Andrew Lo who nominated Elizabeth Lo, 11th grader from Los Angeles.

Star local student’s name

Elizabeth Lo

Star local student’s home state

California

How do you know the star student?

I'm her dad.

Why do you believe the star local student should be recognized?

Elizabeth Lo is an amazing young woman. Not only has she been a working SAG/AFTRA actor since he was 8 years old, but she has always puts her best foot forward in all that she undertakes.

In fact, in her first year at her new school, she entered a speech tournament as a 5th grader. She competed against students up to the 8th grade and won first place at a regional competition. Ultimately, she became the valedictorian of her middle school, where she also ran track and participated on her award-winning academic decathlon team. However, Elizabeth is much more than an excellent student.

She is also a great dancer.

She has attended the Debbie Allen Dance Academy for the past 4 years. She also performed in Debbie Allen’s professional production of the “Hot Chocolate Nutcracker.”

At her new high school, Elizabeth immediately jumped with both feet into her school community. She is a member of the Associated Student Body (ASB), an ambassador, a moral mentor, and president of the Korean Club. Although she has done a great deal to improve her school community, Elizabeth’s strong sense of volunteerism compels her to give her time outside of school. She presently volunteers at KFAM, an organization that supports orphans and foster children. She is also secretary of her Rotary Club where she volunteers to helps to organize volunteer events such as at the Midnight Mission to feed the homeless community. Elizabeth also supports the environment by cleaning beaches with Heal the Bay, and has worked with Net/Kal and with the Council of Korean Americans to support community education through various initiatives.

Most recently, Elizabeth co-founded a non-profit organization with her brother, Joshua, called Share My Cope Inc. The purpose of the non-profit is to support youth who are suffering from mental health issues by educating them about coping methods and giving them resources to help them overcome their struggles in a safe, inclusive, encouraging community. This project arose out of her own mental health struggles during the pandemic. She is very excited about the prospect of working with her brother on this new venture, and hopes to help to curb the recent rise in youth suicides. We are so proud of the young woman that Elizabeth is becoming. You can view her instagram @elizabethlo_official.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the star local student?

She will change the world for the better.

Congratulations on your achievements, and all of our best wishes to you in the future, Elizabeth!

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