New Rochelle Star Student: Talent, Leadership Leave A Lasting Impact

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — 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 Kathleen McEntee-Lawlor who nominated Leah, Grade 12 of New Rochelle. William Shakespeare wrote, "If music be the food of love, play on." In New Rochelle, a community is sparing a moment to pay compliments to the "chef."

A special star student has not only helped to make a feast of music and love, but has shared her talents with those who will continue to feel the heart of a community.

Star local student’s name

Leah, Grade 12

Star local student’s home state

New York

How do you know the star local student?

Supervisor

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

Leah is a volunteer percussion instructor in Songcatchers' After-School Music Program. Songcatchers is a local (New Rochelle, NY) nonprofit music organization whose mission is "Reaching for Peace Through Music."

Leah began at Songcatchers at the age of 5, and continued through the age of 12, studying violin, piano and drums during that time. She has volunteered as a percussion instructor for the last 6 years: working with several children on a weekly basis, and providing over 250 hours of community service during that time. She is an excellent musician and teacher, and her students really enjoy working with her. Whether it is running community-building Circle Time games, teaching, or leading our weekly Performance Time, she is a role model for both her students and her fellow youth volunteers alike! Her dedication to Songcatchers is exemplified by her kindness to everyone she meets; her faithful commitment to the program; and her amazing ability to lead a class of young percussionists in their lessons and prepare them for formal and informal performances.

Outside of school, Leah was recently named the salutatorian of New Rochelle High School's Class of 2023. She is on the board of the school's Science Honor Society, Music Honor Society, and Chinese Honor Society, and is also a member of the Math Honor Society. She also serves as President of the school's Quaranteens program and is a swim instructor.

It has been a pleasure to watch Leah blossom into the responsible, mature, and compassionate young woman she is today!

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

Leah is a "rock star" who always adapts to the situation at hand, often covering other students and running the entire drum class by herself whenever needed. She is such a steady presence at Songcatchers, and she will be very much missed next year!

Congratulations on your achievements, and all of our best wishes to you in the future, Leah, Grade 12!

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