Here’s Why Grace Was Shouted Out As A Joliet Star Student

Joliet, Illinois — 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 Laura who nominated Grace of Joliet, Illinois.

Star local student’s name

Grace

What grade is your star local student in?

7th

How do you know the star local student?

Joliet Steelers Cheerleading

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

Grace, who is the oldest of a set of 13 year old triplets, is from Joliet, IL. Grace is in 7th grade and her mom has had the book "Oh The Places You'll Go" signed by each of her children's teachers, all the way back to 3 y/o preschool. Looking at what other teachers and principals have had to say about her, year after year, one word mentioned by each teacher is the word Perseverance. Grace is a very bright, hardworking student and athlete. She is such an amazing student, where she does not let any struggles she may have, stop her. One of her 7th grade teachers said that while doing IAR (Illinois Assessment of Readiness) this spring, Grace was not afraid to use every last second allowed, to complete her testing. She worked very hard on her IAR tests, when a lot of students do not take mandatory state testing seriously. She gave both the Reading and Math IAR tests 100% and impressed not only her teachers, but her friends as well, by utilizing each second allowed for testing and not rushing through the tests. When she was stuck on a question, she refused to guess at an answer, and made sure that she did everything she could to do her best. "That's just Grace, it's what she does. She is the most determined and hard working student I've ever seen" is something her mom was told by many of her teachers. Her parents are so proud of not only Grace, but her brother Gavin and sister Chloe. Although they are triplets, they are three amazing, hard working students and athletes, each of them have completely DIFFERENT personalities, and are doing a great job at finding their way though some of the hardest years of school, finding the right friends and always making the right decisions. Grace has also worked very hard to make her dreams of being not just any cheerleader, but a flyer for a team that participates in competitions . She first tried out for cheer when she was in 6th grade for her Jr High, something that came as a surprise to her parents since Grace is very shy. She knew she wanted to learn more about cheerleading, becoming a flyer, cheering for a short time at school wasn't enough for her. She "prayed that her mom would find a recreational team where she can be a flyer" and that dream came true in the Fall of 2023. Grace, and her mom, who decided to be one of the varsity coaches for her rec team, joined the Joliet Steelers family. Grace not only works hard and gives it her best at school but she is self-taught when it comes to her tumbling, something her mom said she has worked so hard learning different tumbling skills in her free time. All of Grace's hard work has not only given her a perfect 4.0 GPA since the start of 6th grade (100% across the board to be exact!) but also one of the main flyers on the Joliet Steelers Cheer team. She prayed hard, worked hard and played hard to make her dreams come true and there is no stopping her! Grace is someone that would do anything for her siblings and friends, but also someone that has brought a lot of smiles and positivity to her local and surrounding communities. These are just a FEW of the reasons why Grace needs to be recognized by her community. Perseverance is going to continue to take Grace far in life and we all can't wait to see what the future holds for her. Please consider recognizing Grace for all of her hard work, dedication, and doing what she has to in order for her dreams to come true. Many people agree that Grace would be such an inspiration to a lot of girls who have a dream of becoming ANYTHING they want and will and do what it takes to make those dreams come true.

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

Grace is one of the most determined, hard working, sweet, friendly, shy children I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.

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

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