'Proof That Kindness Still Exists': Joseph, Toms River Star Student

TOMS RIVER, NJ — 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 Gina Nagle, who nominated her son, Joseph, a seventh grader from Toms River.

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

Joseph is a 13-year-old teenager who has old-school values. He still believes in holding a door open for someone, stopping to help someone who needs it. Over the last few years he has gone through some challenges at home. His grandmother with Alzheimer's moved in with us, and I went through having cancer. Through it all he remained a constant companion to his grandmother, going over memories and making her laugh. For me he was rallying for my good health to return and helping with his two younger siblings. With love and determination he still has managed to be on high honor roll at his intermediate school. He was just honored by the Toms River Board of Ed for his participation in the Technical Students Association program. Although there are times he is acting like a "typical teenager," he is a proof to me that kindness and compassion still exists.

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

Joseph is kind and compassionate. He loves animals and music.

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

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Know an outstanding student?

Nominate them here.