‘James Has A Kind Heart, Works Hard’: Reston Star Student Athlete

RESTON, VA — We all know student athletes who also bring their A-game to other parts of their lives.

Here at Patch, we've launched n 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 Alisa Harriot who nominated her son James of Reston.

Star student athlete’s name

James

Star student athlete’s home state

VA

Star student athlete’s Patch town

Reston

How do you know the star student athlete?

My son

What sport does the star student athlete play?

Swimmer

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

Swim is a grind - daily 4:00AM wake ups to be in the pool by 4:30. Hours and hours of endless swimming while working hard to achieve a full IB diploma. In addition he in in English Honor Society, Business Honor Society, DECA and FBLA. Last year he and a friend started the Chocolate MYLK Club (Making Young Leaders Knowledgeable) they gather at school, drink chocolate milk and learn about differing leadership styles.

James spent hours during Covid assisting a local charity delivering desks and headsets to children in need and continues to look for ways to give back to the community. He has been a lifeguard and swim coach (he supported Core Foundation which offered some children the chance to swim for a day!)

James has 2 younger brothers who look up to James and he works hard to be a great example and supporter of his brothers whether he is teasing them and goofing around or defending them when needed he is a GREAT brother. It goes without saying he is an awesome son, truly one of the best people I know, I am incredibly proud of this young man

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

James is not perfect - he has made foolish teenage decisions (because he is a teenage boy after all) but mistakes do not make the man, the recovery from those mistakes make the man! James is proof of that fact. He also has a kind heart, great sense of humor.

Keep up the great work, James!

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