Verona-Cedar Grove Star Student Helped Bring 500 Sandwiches To Pantry

VERONA-CEDAR GROVE, 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 in New Jersey, and we’re working to tell the stories of these outstanding kids to their neighbors.

One such person? Benjamin of Verona-Cedar Grove. Here's what his nominator had to say about the inspiring youth.

Star local student’s home state

New Jersey

How do you know the star student?

Benjamin is a student at Our Lady of the Lake School, where I am the Director of Technology and Development. I was his mentor in a service project for the school.

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

Ben organized a service project with his family to get the entire school involved in a "Day of Kindness," where they could make and deliver sandwiches for local families suffering from food insecurity. He applied for a grant through the Sodexo-Stop Hunger Foundation in cooperation with Youth Service America, and was the recipient of a $500 grant to carry out his mission. He executed the event on April 28, 2023, which is Global Youth Service Day. Ben and his fellow students in PreK through Grade 8 made nearly 500 sandwiches for St. John's Soup Kitchen, and then took to the blacktop to chalk words of encouragement and kindness.

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

Ben comes from a strong background in community service. His parents work often with underserved communities, and his school, Our Lady of the Lake School in Verona, emphasizes student involvement in community service through their Lake Serves program. We are so proud of Ben's initiative and compassion for others in taking on this project.

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

This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile. Know someone making a difference in town? Nominate them here »