Stratford Star Student Is 'Kind, Compassionate, Intelligent'

Stratford, 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 Kathryn Shattuck who nominated Cameron H Vadnais 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?

Cameron H Vadnais

What grade is the student in?

10th

How do you know the star student?

Grandson

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

It is with great pride that I nominate Cameron Vadnais, a sophomore at Bunnell High School, as a "Stand Out Kid" in the Stratford community. Cameron’s commitment to community service, personal growth, and kindness is truly exceptional. Known for his spontaneous involvement in local events and volunteer activities, it’s no surprise that he was honored with the Asyria E. Ferrer Memorial Award by Flood Middle School for his compassion and kindness—a recognition voted on by both students and staff. At the young age of six, Cameron discovered his passion not on the baseball field, but in the martial arts studio. Through Taekwondo, he developed not only physical skills but also a deep sense of respect, discipline, and confidence.

Earning his black belt, Cameron has continued to give back by volunteering at Legacy Sports Taekwondo, where he instructs and mentors younger students. He not only teaches them self-defense but instills core values like integrity and self-respect. Cameron’s dedication to helping others only deepened as he got older. At 14, he became certified in CPR and as an Emergency Medical Responder, and soon after, he began volunteering with Stratford EMS—sacrificing his Saturday mornings to serve his community, often witnessing life-changing moments well before he could legally drive. In his freshman year, Cameron joined Bunnell’s chapter of Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA), where he initially ran for president.

Though he didn’t win at first, he humbly accepted a different role on the team, only to later step into the presidency when the original winner stepped down. As President of HOSA, Cameron led presentations in local elementary schools about handwashing and hygiene, even engaging teachers in a memorable black-light demonstration to show how quickly germs can spread. He was re-elected as HOSA President in his sophomore year. As a result of his involvement and leadership in HOSA, Cameron was nominated to attend the National Academy of Future Physicians in Boston, MA, where he joined a select group of students from across the country and learned from world-renowned physicians and Nobel Prize winners. Cameron’s compassion continues to shine through in his work with Bunnell’s Unified Sports Program.

After a staff member observed his kindness while interacting with an autistic student during gym class, she encouraged him to join the program. Cameron eagerly accepted and has now volunteered for two years, supporting students with autism, Down syndrome, and other challenges—both through athletics and fundraising events. Most recently, having just turned 16, Cameron is preparing to take the next step in his medical journey by enrolling in EMT training this summer—a new chapter he can now drive himself to. Cameron Vadnais exemplifies what it means to be a "Stand Out Kid." He is kind, motivated, humble, and an inspiring role model to his peers and the community. His dedication to making a difference, even at a young age, is nothing short of remarkable.

What three words best describe your star student?

Kind Compassionate Inteligent

Keep up the great work, Cameron H Vadnais 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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