Weston Star Student Is 'Driven, Compassionate'

Weston, 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 Claudia McLean who nominated Bruce Matos 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?

Bruce Matos

What grade is the student in?

11

How do you know the star student?

Mentor & Executive Director of Joshua's Heart Foundation

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

I'd like to shout out Bruce Matos, an exceptional young leader in your community and a dedicated volunteer with the Joshua’s Heart Foundation (JHF). Bruce currently serves on our Junior Advisory Board and leads the Partners and Sponsors team (P&S). JHF is a youth-led nonprofit committed to fighting food insecurity through service, leadership, and community engagement. Founded in 2005 by then 4½-year-old Joshua Williams, after being told he was too young to volunteer, he decided to create his own movement, one where everyone, regardless of age, could serve. What began as a small act of kindness has since grown into a powerful, youth-driven platform that empowers young leaders to make a real impact. At the heart of JHF is our Junior Advisory Board (JAB), composed of students in grades 7–12 who plan, manage, and lead all major initiatives.

These young changemakers gain valuable life skills, all while making a real difference in the fight against hunger. Bruce has been committed to JHF since 8th grade, and recently, he spearheaded an event from start to finish that distributed over 12,000 pounds of food, directly supporting more than 1,300 underserved residents in South Florida. He rallied his peers to join the effort and documented the experience in a thoughtful, inspiring blog post: The Heart of the 305 and 203 in Every Meal https://joshuasheart.org/the-h... As Head of P&S, he engages with new donors, delivers presentations, and emphasizes the unique impact of a student-run organization driven by a passion for fighting poverty. He mentors younger students on the P&S team, helping them develop confidence and leadership skills while guiding them through outreach strategies.

Bruce’s passion for service extends far beyond this project though. He is an Eagle Scout with Weston Troop 788 (having been in scouting since first grade), a Congressional Award Gold Medalist, a four-time recipient of the President’s Volunteer Service Award Gold Medal, as well as a mentor at Weston High School's (WHS) Link Crew, welcoming and mentoring incoming freshmen. Now a junior at WHS, Bruce also serves as a State Officer and Founder and President of the HOSA Future Health Professionals Club where he recently won first place in College Physics at the State Conference, as the Secretary General of the Model United Nations passionate about modern day issues affecting society, and Vice President of the American Heroes Club dedicated to honoring all of those who serve our country. He leads by example and inspires his peers through action and commitment. In addition to service, Bruce is an academically strong and intellectually curious student, known for his discipline, resilience, and commitment to learning. He is on the National Honor Society, Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica, the Tri-M Honor Society and is a National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholar.

This summer he will attending the prestigious Johns Hopkins Internship for Brain Sciences, as he pursues a future career in science. Outside of academics and service, Bruce is also a black belt in Kung Fu and teaches younger students, sharing his love for the martial arts, discipline and confidence with the next generation. His ability to balance academic excellence, leadership, and service makes him a remarkable role model. I know this is a long description, but I thought it was worthwhile to highlight such an accomplished student and member of the community. I hope you'll consider highlighting this truly outstanding young man.

What three words best describe your star student?

Driven, Compassionate, Inspirational, as well as Humble

Keep up the great work, Bruce Matos 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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