Los Angeles Star Student is Professional Performer, Athlete, Volunteer

LOS ANGELES, CA — 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 Andrew Lo who nominated Joshua, an 8th grade student of Los Angeles.

Star local student’s name

Joshua

Star local student’s home state

California

How do you know the star local student?

I'm his dad

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

Joshua has always been a performer. Not only has he been a working SAG/AFTRA actor since he was 6 years old, but he works hard to do his best in whatever task is set before him. He is an excellent student, but he is so much more. Let me give you a peek into the heart of this exceptional young man. First, he has performed as a dancer in Debbie Allen’s production of “The Hot Chocolate Nutcracker” for the last three years. He performed hip hop, modern, and some acrobatic pieces as well. He told me that dance taught him about discipline, vision and patience. At school, he has played football and run track, where he learned about cooperation and connecting with his teammates. This experience strengthened his already strong resolve to work to make the world a better place that was initially ingrained in him during Boy Scouts. Consequently, although he is only 14 years old, he hopes to achieve the rank of Eagle by the early 2024. This academic year, he was inspired to work hard to be elected to student council at his middle school as Commissioner of Public Relations. Under this position, he writes a monthly article for the Larchmont Chronicle about the different events and activities at his school and in the local community. His strong sense of volunteerism has led him to be involved in many community projects, including renovating playgrounds with the Boy Scouts, cleaning beaches with Heal the Bay, feeding the homeless with the Rotary Club, and helping his community with the Korean American Coalition in Los Angeles. Most recently, he co-founded a non-profit organization with his sister, Elizabeth, called Share My Cope Inc. The purpose of the non-profit is to support youth who are suffering from mental health issues by educating them about coping methods and giving them resources to help them overcome their struggles in a safe, inclusive, encouraging community. He is very excited about this new venture, and hopes to help to curb the recent rise in youth suicides. Overall, Joshua is truly a star we are very proud of him. You can view his instagram @joshualo_official.

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

Joshua has a heart of gold.

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

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