This Pleasanton Student Leader Shines Brightly, Helping Those In Need

PLEASANTON, 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 Ken Mano who nominated Madeline of Pleasanton.

Star local student’s name

Madeline

What grade is your star local student in?

12

How do you know the star local student?

Community of Character Scholarships

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

Madeline is a senior at Amador Valley High School, daughter of Yan Ma and Jian Zhang. Madeline describes her family as full of love, respect, and support. Compassion has been an essential factor in forming new relationships. During her freshman year, she joined Friends of Children with Special Needs (FCSN), a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting those with special needs, and established the FCSN-Buddy Club at AVHS to bridge the gap between neurodiverse and neurotypical students. She served as co-president of the club for all four years and hosted bi-weekly events, such as guest speakers, monthly board game and art sessions with the special needs classes, and club booths. As a leader in the Global Leadership Initiatives for Youth (GLIFY) with over 400 student members, she led her club in projects such as “Adopt a Senior” for CityServe, assembling COVID-19 test kits, Public Speaking and Leadership Program and many others. Additionally, since 2021, she has been volunteering at Parkview, helping with activities for assisted living and memory care seniors. She also tutors a neurodiverse student weekly, helping him to improve his communication and reading comprehension skills. She has a goal of attending nursing school hoping to become a highly competent and compassionate nurse, ready to make a positive impact on the lives of patients and communities.

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

Madeline is a Juanita Haugen scholarship recipient.

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

This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.

Know an outstanding student who deserves a shout-out?

Nominate them here.