‘A Kind Human Being’: Sarasota Star Student Athlete

SARASOTA, FL — We all know student athletes who also bring their A-game to other parts of their lives.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these heroes making a difference in their communities. We’re working to let all your neighbors know the individual stories behind the leaderboard.

This submission comes from Rhonda West who nominated her grandson, Vinny, a basketball player in Sarasota.

Star student athlete’s name

Vinny

Star student athlete’s home state

Florida

Star student athlete’s Patch town

Sarasota

How do you know the star student athlete?

Grandson

What sport does the star student athlete play?

Basketball

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

His passion for basketball goes beyond the games and practice schedule. He would play the game 24/7 if he could. His dad (installed) a hoop in their driveway and a huge tree partially obstructs Vinny's ability get the ball through the hoop, but he continues his drills even at nighttime for hours, hoping for that giant tree to be trimmed down. As proud grandparents we feel that Vinny should be recognized for being a kind, sensitive and compassionate almost 13-year-old who loves and cares about others and all of nature's creatures. He makes his own breakfast and packs his lunch for school, takes out the trash to the street, does his own laundry (and) is quick to help others. He and his brother live with his mother on weekdays and with his father on weekends.

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

He's a kind human being.

Keep up the great work, Vinny!

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Know an outstanding student athlete? Nominate them as a Patch Star Student Athlete.