Star Student With Debilitating Illnesses Has 4.0 GPA

Monroe, Connecticut — Connecticut is full of bright, driven young people making a difference in and out of the classroom. That’s why Patch and T-Mobile have teamed up to spotlight students excelling in academics, athletics and community service.

This submission comes from Corinne N. Reppenhagen who nominated Riley of Connecticut.

If you know a student who deserves recognition, we want to hear about them! Click here to nominate them to be featured as a Star Student on Patch.

What is the star student’s name?

Riley

What grade is the student in?

9th Grade

How do you know the star student?

She’s my daughter

Tell us about your star student's accomplishments and why they deserve to be recognized on Patch!

In December of 2023, Riley started experiencing a wide range of symptoms medically. We saw a specialist and no one had an answer as to what was going on. In June of 2024, Riley was diagnosed with Dysautonomia (which is dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system).

She has all three illnesses known as the trifecta of POTS, MCAS and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (part of Ehlers Danlos). Riley faced her new life with such strength. She deals with daily symptoms that has changed how she had to approach her every day life.

After starting 9th grade at her local High School she soon realized that she couldn’t attend due to her debilitating symptoms. She started online school and has excelled. She has a 4.0 GPA. She also developed an interest in service dogs. She is currently training her puppy, Marigold, who is an English Cream Golden.

She also volunteers at two local cat rescues in her spare time. Her hope is to attend college studying Animal Behavior and become a service dog trainer. She plans on starting her own business and helping kids/teens and adults with chronic illness to have a service dog companion to help them cope and feel safe when alone. Riley has turned lemons into lemonade. She speaks out in forums dealing with her illness and spreading awareness to people she meets. Her illness is invisible but by not hiding behind it and being open about she is opening conversations and making a big difference for others with similar illnesses. Riley has a big, exciting life ahead of her. She is really making a difference in herself, her community and beyond.

What three words best describe your star student?

Resilient, Determined and Transformative

Keep up the great work, Riley If you know an outstanding student who deserves recognition, we want to hear about them! Click here to nominate them to be featured on Patch.

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