Star Student Cyrus Raises Awareness Of Substance Use Disorders

RESTON, VA — 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 Monika Taylor who nominated Cyrus, a 12th-grader from Reston

Star local student’s name

Cyrus, 12th grade

Star local student’s home state

Virginia

How do you know the star local student?

Cyrus organized an art show to raise awareness about substance use disorders and encouraged students from across Northern Virginia to participate. More than a dozen students from area schools submitted over thirty amazing art pieces. Through the show, Cyrus not only raised awareness of the need for more support for people in recovery, but also raised several thousand dollars for local charity, Recovery Program Solutions of Virginia, which supports adults with mental health, substance use, and homelessness issues across Northern Virginia. He did all of this in honor of his Aunt Krissy who passed away, sadly, due to substance use issues. What a wonderful tribute to her. His portrait of his Aunt now hangs at RPSV's Reston center to motivate those who enter to seek recovery by sharing her image and her story on the walls of the facility. #beautiful!

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

Cyrus took the initiative to honor his Aunt through his art. He then took the initiative to reach out to a local art studio to display it and to encourage other students in the area to join in the effort. His actions provided a public venue for young people to share their understanding of recovery. One student, who lost her father to alcoholism, created a very powerful painting of her father passed out on the couch while she as a small child played on the floor. This image, and all of them, really touched the hearts of attendees and spoke volumes without saying a word. It is impressive that students understand and support recovery! Cyrus' actions also impressed area media outlets, including WRC Channel 4 which sent a cameraman to cover the event, helping spread the message even further into the community. It's so inspiring that someone so young could make such a huge impact and help people understand the issues, misunderstandings, and need for recovery support across this community and nationwide. I applaud Cyrus for his efforts!

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

I shared with Cyrus and his mom, Aunt Krissy's sister, that it is very obvious that they love her. It is also obvious their family is very close and supportive of each other. It was inspiring to witness and easy to see in every action before, during, and after the art show. Cyrus has a huge heart and really wants to be a force for change in the recovery community to ensure others don't experience what his Aunt did. It's people like him who will change the world!

Congratulations on your achievements, and all of our best wishes to you in the future,Cyrus, 12th grade!

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