Pleasanton Teen Works To Save Lives By Funding Heart Screenings

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 Matteo of Pleasanton.

Star local student’s name

Matteo

What grade is your star local student in?

12

How do you know the star local student?

Community of Character Scholarship recipient

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

Matteo is a senior at Amador Valley High School, son of Michelle Gable. Matteo was recently named as a recipient of the Juanita Haugen Scholarship from the Pleasanton Community of Character.

When he was three years old, his dad passed away suddenly from an undetected heart condition. He was in great physical shape, and it was a shock to everyone. In 2012 his family started a non-profit organization called Gable Heart Beats in honor of his dad.

Matteo, at age ten, became a main speaker at their charity events which works to save lives through funding heart screenings for early detection of heart issues and donating AEDs to schools.

“Having Gable Heart Beats has been a great way for me to cope with the loss of my dad by focusing on turning a tragedy into an opportunity to help people.” Through the Gable Heart Beats Foundation, he speaks at events, helps at heart screenings and delivers donated AEDs, 13 of which have been placed around Pleasanton. The foundation has raised over $275,000.

In addition to the foundation, he has been involved in AVHS journalism, anchor for the AVHS television and volunteered at events in Pleasanton such as the “Make a Difference Festival”. He would like to pursue becoming a screenwriter by majoring in Film and Television.

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

Through the Gable Heart Beats Foundation, he speaks at events, helps at heart screenings and delivers donated AEDs

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

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Know an outstanding student who deserves a shout-out?

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