This Star Student Refuses To Give Up When Challenges Arise

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 Colin of Pleasanton.

Star local student’s name

Colin

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?

Colin is a senior at Foothill High School, his parents are Damon and Kimberly Harrison.

While in the fifth grade, Colin got a severe case of strep throat, eventually developing into Irritable Bowel Syndrome (I.B.S.). Managing his IBS and other sicknesses has caused him to adopt a strict diet and manage his symptoms to this day. These sicknesses brought a keen interest in science, specifically in all things related to bacteria and viruses, leading him to take every science course he could and excelling in them.

He has interviewed and shadowed physicians and became a senior officer in the Health Occupational Students of America chapter.

Self-discipline has been a major part of his life due to his health troubles, not being able to eat gluten, high fructose corn syrup and a multitude of other foods. This has been especially hard when going out to eat with friends.

Colin states that, "The self-discipline I learned through having to control my diet has benefited me in multiple other parts of my life. It has allowed me to push through and work harder rather than give up when something challenges me. It has made me stronger and more determined, which has led to me striving to do more to become the best me I can be.”

He has had a keen interest in community service, serving as class president of the Young Men’s Service League, where they perform service for many nonprofits. In addition he has volunteered with the Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department, was a member of the Blue Crew at FHS, and a member of the National Honors Society, while playing on the FHS baseball teams.

His college plans are to pursue his interest in science and bacteria by majoring in microbiology.

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

self-discipline I learned through having to control my diet has benefited me in multiple other parts of my life. It has allowed me to push through and work harder rather than give up when something challenges me.

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

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Know an outstanding student who deserves a shout-out?

Nominate them here.