Star Student: Jayden Excels In Leadership In Upper Marlboro Patch

UPPER MARLBORO, MD — 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 was written by Monica Sutton who nominated Jayden of Upper Marlboro, Maryland.

Star local student’s name

Jayden

What grade is your star local student in?

12th

How do you know the star local student?

I’ve known Jayden through our church since he was approximately 4 years old.

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

I first met the McKay family in 2009 at our church, when Jayden was a mere two years old. At the age of four he began to attend children’s church where he was always polite, inquisitive and helpful. What struck me early on was Jayden’s insightfulness. He asked questions that really kept us teachers on our toes. As Jayden got older, he began to accomplish so many things.

The list is plentiful:

•Toastmasters Graduate (Greater Mount Nebo AME Church (GMN), 2020)
•Young Man of the Year (2017 and 2018,GMN)
•Youth usher (GMN 2015- Present)
•National Youth Leadership Training, BSA (2022)
•Peer Forward Student Leader (Dr. Henry Wise High School 2023- Present)
•Certification, Entrepreneurship and Small Business (2022)
•Junior Trustee (2022- Present GMN)
•Boy Scouts (BSA), EAGLE RANK (2022)
•SHARE food distribution volunteer (GMN, 2019- Present)
•Minor chaperone, Girl Scout Troops #1631 and #1116, (2016- Present)
•Instrument student (trumpet, middle and high school 2015-2021)
•Boys & Girls Club (baseball 2022- Present)
•WCRW-AM 1190, Waldorf, MD — Voiceover Talent

While these accomplishments are exceptional, and certainly no small feat, what most impresses me is that Jayden has a genuine heart for volunteerism. One Saturday a month, he assists with GMN’s SHARE program. SHARE in a non-profit, community-based food program which provides food at a substantial discount. While there are many adults there at 8 AM, Jayden is often one of the first individuals to arrive, always ready to work. He knows the program inside and out, and aside from picking up the food at the distribution warehouse, Jayden has often lead this program. He knows who gets what, how much, and how all items should be packaged. As he delivers items to each car, everyone remarks as to what a wonderful young man Jayden is. As time grows near to him graduating, I often joke and ask, “When you leave for college, who will run SHARE?” Jayden gives me a slight grin and in his always humble way responds, “I think it will be okay.” To date, more than 100 service hours have been volunteered.

Interests ● Building computers ● Baseball ● Roller Coasters ● Travel ● Volunteerism ● Cooking

Jayden does everything with a smile and the most positive of dispositions. It’s easy to tell that he has a heart for people and volunteering, it’s not a chore for him, even at 8 AM on a Saturday morning. That he will major in Business Management and Finance in college is no surprise. While he has a business mind, his heart is in helping, which can only make whatever business he creates succeed.

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

Jayden has a pure heart. He’s kind and compassionate and always willing to help.

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

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