'There Is No Slowing Him Down': Joliet Boy Nominated As 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 a Joliet community member who nominated local resident Gavin.

Star local student’s name

Gavin

What grade is your star local student in?

7

How do you know the star local student?

Anonymous

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

Gavin is the middle sibling in a set of triplets. He has a sister who is one minute older and a sister who is one minute younger. They always say you should never compare 2 children of the same age when it comes to milestones as a baby and even when it comes to education, which is very hard to do when you are a triplet and have 2 other siblings the exact same age.

Most triplets/twins/multiples attend the same school from preschool through high school, but this case is a bit different. Gavin attends a local Jr. High Academy for advanced students while his sisters attend their local neighborhood Jr High. Gavin had pretty much perfect attendance from the start of preschool through the upcoming end of 7th grade. School has always come easy to Gavin, and is always there to help his sisters with their homework, should the need arise. There has never been a competition between the triplets, unless it came to who is taller than who, but never any competition over grades/academic abilities. He adjusted to the advanced curriculum, overwhelming amount of homework, tests, projects and everything else that goes along with the requirements to remain in the academy.

When Gavin and his sisters had their 5th grade celebration, many awards were passed out. One student, Gavin, had his name called multiple times throughout the celebration. Gavin received High Honor Roll every trimester of elementary school, he was the President of his Student Council, part of the safety patrol, which required him to arrive at school early and stay after school until all students safely crossed each street. Gavin also won a college scholarship from The Will County Chamber of Commerce for writing an amazing story about a hero in his life, his mom. Along with other awards/achievements/certificates, Gavin was presented with one of the highest awards passed out, The Principal's Award. As a younger child, Gavin was not into playing or participating in any sports, that is until he entered Jr. High.

A few weeks into starting Jr. High at a new school, where he knew nobody, advanced and challenging work had begun, along with the demands and requirements to stay in the academy, Gavin decided he was going to join Cross Country. Gavin never did sports before, so this came as a surprise to his parents. However, Gavin didn't join Cross Country to win, he did it because he wanted to condition himself to try out for basketball. Gavin even made it to sectionals with some of the fastest runners in the surrounding area. He worked very hard for basketball tryouts in 6th grade, but unfortunately, he did not make the team, at least in 6th Grade. That wasn't going to stop him from practicing day and night, joining cross country again in 7th grade, to condition himself and get his body ready for another school year and basketball tryouts. Gavin always works so hard to achieve his personal goals, and making the basketball team in 7th grade was no exception. This school year, Gavin has maintained over a 3.8 GPA, doing work that is way above his grade level, ran cross country again, tried out for the basketball team with hopes of making Junior Varsity. Just like his hard work, dedication and determination, Gavin made the JV basketball team and had a starting position for his team. He was so proud of himself, along with his supportive parents and sisters. About half way through the 23-24 basketball season, Gavin was asked to fill in on the Varsity team, which landed him a permanent spot on both JV and Varsity basketball. "I believe his varsity debut, Gavin made his first ever 3 point shot."

His local and surrounding communities should know about Gavin and how hard work, dedication, determination and perseverance pay off. Gavin's been heard many times saying "I am proof that hard work pays off.' Gavin is someone who is a privilege and honor to know. He has set many goals and has achieved them all, and there is no slowing him down. Keep up the amazing work, Gavin. You have an amazing future ahead of you.

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

Gavin is one of the most determined, hard working and dedicated son, brother, friend, student and athlete.

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

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