San Ramon Teen Volunteer Has 'Heart Of Gold'

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.

Star local student’s name

Brandon

What grade is your star local student in?

11th

How do you know the star local student?

I am his mother.

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

Brandon has maintained an over 4.0 weighted GPA in high school, while playing on the baseball team, serving as a member of the Young Men’s Service League- Livermore Chapter, serving as a member of a music club that volunteers by bringing music to Seniors at Senior homes, and this year, and being selected as a member of the National Honors Society at his school, where he also volunteers. As part of YMSL, he has volunteered hundreds of hours for his community, far exceeding any other member in his chapter. He serves as VP of his class at YMSL and was just slated to be the President of his senior class at YMSL- Brandon leads by example.

Brandon’s passion for giving back to the community has resulted in his receiving 4 President’s Volunteer Service Award, 3 of which are gold. The PVSA is a prestigious award from the US President and honors individuals whose service positively impacts communities and inspires others to take action too. Brandon has also received 2 Mayoral Awards from Livermore in recognition of his commitment and dedication to the community. Brandon received 2 mayoral awards from San Leandro for his achievements in science fairs. YMSL-Livermore is a pretty new chapter, founded in 2021. Within YMSL-Livermore, Brandon has been the most awarded young man to-date, including receiving both the Heart of YMSL award (national award) and the President’s award.

In 2023, Brandon served over 300 hours, while maintaining >4.00 weighted GPA in his Sophomore and Junior years at Dougherty Valley High School in San Ramon, an academically rigorous school. Brandon leads by example. His achievements at YMSL has motivated many young men in our chapter to volunteer more hours. Brandon has a heart of gold- his favorite philanthropies include the Special Olympics of Northern California and St Michael’s Community Care. Every Saturday, you will find Brandon at St Michael’s starting at 6 am to set up for food distribution, which Brandon also volunteers at. Brandon feels a strong connection with the community he serves and has made friends with the church, volunteers and clients. Brandon wakes up at 5:30 am early Saturday mornings in order to volunteer, despite staying up late to study. He is always grateful to his mother for driving him to volunteer and serving alongside him.

Brandon loves sports and only learned baseball in his freshman year. Despite not being very good initially, he was patient and persistent and made the team all 3 years. To improve his skills, he spent countless hours at the batting cages. In between his busy schedule, Brandon spends time with his tutor to improve in science and goes to dimsum with his widowed grandmother in his spare time.

Brandon’s ultimate goal is to go to law school and hopefully get into politics someday to better serve his community. I am not nominating Brandon because I am his mother. I am nominating him because he has put in his time and dedication to school and his community. I have served hundreds of hours with Brandon and am so proud to see him grow into an honorable young man with integrity and determination.

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

Brandon is not naturally gifted. He works hard in academics and sports; he has earned all of his achievements through hard work, determination and dedication.

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

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