'A Mentor And Leader To His Peers': East Haven Star Student

EAST HAVEN, CT — 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 Jared Fernandez who nominated Gregory Vera of East Haven, one of his woodworking students.

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

I have Gregory in my Woodworking I and II class. Gregory has spent many hours after school performing community service in the wood shop even though he already has the mandated number of hours to graduate. He has spent many hours, sometimes until 5pm, working on projects which we are producing to fund a scholarship. Gregory invested lots of his free time after school and in study halls working on his project and additional extra projects. In the classroom Gregory works hard to ensure all students feel welcome. He often translates instructions to students with limited English proficiency. Gregory emigrated from Ecuador and is a true mentor to students with limited English proficiency. He has been a huge asset to the class to ensure immigrant students feel welcome and understand course content. Gregory works with everyone and is always willing to help any struggling students with their woodworking projects.

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

Gregory is a mentor and leader to his peers

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

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