Oak Forest HS Junior, Soon Eagle Scout A Force On Stage, In Friendship

OAK FOREST, IL — 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 Cheryl Harris-Sumida who nominated Joseph, 11th grade of Oak Forest.

Star local student’s name

Joseph, 11th grade

Star local student’s home state

Illinois

How do you know the star local student?

I know Joseph through my work as a school librarian, and from directing him in a group interpretation production and in a Madrigal play and musical production.

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

Joseph is a type of student that you want to have around at all type of activities. I am lucky enough to have him in many of my drama productions. He is focused and comes to practice prepared to work hard, always with a smile for me, the director, and for the other students in the cast. He quietly tries to lift the spirits of students who are feeling down without putting them on the spot and that is something I treasure about him as drama students can be quite dramatic, you know? Another reason Joseph should be recognized is that he is always prepared for any circumstance. Let me explain: Joseph is a soon-to-be Eagle Scout and has a first aid kit that he always carries in his book bag. At one rehearsal, it seems like everything that could go wrong did go wrong; one student twisted her knee, and another scraped her finger, drawing blood. Joseph calmly took out his first aid kit, cleaned up his friend’s finger and bandaged it (with gloved hands, I must add), and then stabilized and wrapped his friend’s knee and organized getting an ice pack on it until she went home. And then he helped her out to the door! All of this he did of his own volition, because of the training he received in the Scouts. Joseph’s calm demeanor helped both of these students feel cared for, and calm, too. This is only one example of what makes Joseph a caring and wonderful part of our drama ensemble; when you add in his talent as a comedic actor, what he brings to the table is formidable.

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

Joseph is a student that you want on your team because he will lift your spirits, he will bandage your wounds, he will lead a cast line rehearsal, or anything else that needs to be done. I am convinced that underneath Joseph’s student persona is the S of Superman.

Congratulations on your achievements, and all of our best wishes to you in the future,Joseph, 11th grade!

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