'Empathy, Maturity & Compassion:' San Ramon Star Student

SAN RAMON, 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 Patrice Chamberlain who nominated her friend's daughter Caroline, a high school junior in San Ramon.

Star local student’s name:

Caroline, 11th grade

How do you know the star local student?

She is the daughter of a friend. My friend introduced me to her because she shares my commitment and passion for community service.

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

Caroline deserves to be recognized because she is committed to service. Not because it will look good on a college application but because it is where her heart is at. Since 2018, I have been stocking the lobby of West Contra Costa Detention Center with children’s books for children that are visiting an incarcerated family member. Caroline’s mom connected me with her then, when only in middle school, she began collecting books at school and in her community to ensure I could keep the lobby stocked.

Since then, Caroline has collected thousands of books not only for the jail but for other community organizations as well. In addition, Caroline is always willing to help me out at local community events. We don’t live in the same community (and mine is quite different from hers!) and the energy she brings each time is best represented by the word “kindness.”

At a recent community event she helped at to provide food and clothing to community members in need, I was so impressed with the kindness and dignity with which she treated event participants and the ease with which she connected with participants and other volunteers alike. I think that shows a kind of empathy, maturity and compassion that exceeds that of most adults. At a developmental time in life when most teens prioritize their phone and instant gratification, Caroline clearly values the joy of connection in the community and of being of service to those in need.

We need more leaders in the world like this. I would appreciate her effort being recognized so that she understands that this is truly what is important in life and remains committed to this path in a society that doesn’t always recognize the power of service.

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

I would like everyone to see how Caroline puts 110% into not only school but into serving the community. Congratulations on your achievements, and all of our best wishes to you in the future, Caroline!

This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile. Know an outstanding student?

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