Edison Star Student Wins Award For Addressing Teen Social Anxiety

EDISON, 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 Cindi who nominated Kaitlyn, 11th Grade of Edison. Cindy, who knows Kaitlyn through Girl Scouts, says the student is a role model who uses problem-solving skills to address issues faced by peers.

Star local student’s name

Kaitlyn

Star local student’s home state

New Jersey

How do you know the star local student?

Through Girl Scouts

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

Kaitlyn earned her Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest honor that one can earn as a Girl Scout. Kaitlyn's Gold Award project addressed the subject of social anxiety students experience at recess.

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

The Gold Award is only given to those who have gone above and beyond in their commitment to making a lasting change in their community or world. Kaitlyn is a role model by using problem-solving skills learned as a Girl Scout to identify issues that matter and applied talents, passions and resources to create a sustainable solution. Kaitlyn’s project addressed the negative impact social anxiety has on students during recess. She incorporated social skills techniques to teach students in grades first through fifth to improve social interactions. She built two “Buddy Benches” for students to act as a reminder that everyone wants a friend to play with.

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

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Know an outstanding student? Nominate them here.