Star Student Athlete: Beverly's Tehya Killam

BEVERLY, MA — 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 Taryn Hamilton who nominated Tehya Killam of Beverly.

Star student athlete's name

Tehya Killam

Star student athlete's home state

Massachusetts

Star student athlete's Patch town

Beverly

How do you know the star student athlete?

parent

What sport does the star student athlete play?

volleyball

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

Tehya has been an athlete since she was 4 years old.

She has played soccer, softball and basketball for many years. Basketball was her passion and she excelled not only as a player but as a teammate and leader.

Tehya had a difficult freshman year of high school between the pandemic and losing some of her tight-knit friends and teammates that she had for many years.

During her freshman year, Tehya played basketball and well as tried out for the volleyball team for the first time. She used her same passion, drive and motivation to learn a new sport and she again excelled.

Tehya made a tough decision her sophomore year and gave up basketball to focus on her new love of volleyball. She showed up for practice every day and also joined club leagues over the winter. She continued to learn the sport and improve her skills.

Tehya has made a great new group of friends and teammates and she continues to support and encourage her team to play the best they can. She is very determined to play volleyball in college and is working hard to maintain her high GPA in hopes of being recruited.

Halfway through the season, Tehya has played great, often getting recognized for her skills in serving the ball and scoring many points. When she isn't playing volleyball, she continues to work out at the local YMCA and works part-time.

She is also a member of the best buddies club at her school and loves mentoring the students of this program. Tehya, overall is a wonderful athlete, student and friend. She has always given her best effort in her academics and athletics and deserves to be recognized.

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

Tehya was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when she was 10 years old. She never used her illness as an excuse to not be on the field or the court, even if there were times she didn't feel well.

Keep up the great work, Tehya!

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Know someone making a difference in town? Nominate them as a Star Student-Athlete here.