Star Student Is Steadfast Friend Of Others And The Planet

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, 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 Kerry Ferguson who nominated Ryan, an 8th grader at Marco Forster Middle School of San Juan Capistrano.

Star local student’s name

Ryan

Star local student’s home state

California

How do you know the star local student?

I got to know Ryan, then aged 7, and his family when I was Mayor of San Juan Capistrano. I was impressed with his passion for recycling, and with his donation of part of his proceeds at that time to the Pacific Science Center in Dana Point. Now, he donates to the Pacific Marine Mammal Center in Laguna Beach. That was my reason for awarding him as Citizen of the Year.

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

I am nominating Ryan because he is an outstanding example to others of the power of a passion for a simple way to help others and the world. Ryan began recycling at age 3. By the age of 7, it had become a passion. He collected bottles and cans daily, and he donated a portion of the proceeds to the Pacific Science Center in Dana Point, as he is also passionate about keeping the oceans clean for fish, marine mammals and all other marine life. Besides his award as Citizen of the Year in San Juan Capistrano, he appeared on the Ellen Degeneris Show to tell his story. Between then and now, his recycling efforts have continued to grow. He regularly leads clean-up days for the community at the beach that attract more than 200 volunteers. He is asked to speak at meetings around the U.S. and Europe where he talks about the need to recycle. He was also named to a board of young American entrepreneurs that are working to preserve our planet. His thousands of Facebook followers around the world continue to be inspired by his daily posts as he and his Dad collect bottles and cans at Doheny Beach. He also picks up toys that are left there. He cleans and sanitizes them and donates them to children's charities. Ryan is a wonderful example to others his age as well as adults. He is closing in on 2 million cans and bottles recycled, and

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

Ryan is a kind and steadfast friend of others and the planet.

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

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