Star Student Athlete: Gloucester Township's Jake Shines Off The Race Course, Too

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — We all know student athletes who also bring their A-game to other parts of their lives.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these heroes making a difference in their communities. We’re working to let all your neighbors know the individual stories behind the leaderboard.

This submission comes from Lisa Smith who nominated her son Jake, of Gloucester Township.

Star student athlete’s name

Jake

Star student athlete’s home state

New Jersey

Star student athlete’s Patch town

Gloucester Township

How do you know the star student athlete?

Parent

What sport does the star student athlete play?

Cross country & Track and field

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

Jake is smart, hard working and kind. Jake has participated in many sports over the years. He is a Junior Black belt in karate, he played hockey
for about 10 years and town, as well as, travel lacrosse just to name a few, but running has become Jakes passion in the past 4 years.
Jake is a leader on and off of the field. He has served as captain of his schools cross country team both his junior and senior years. He is a friend to everyone on the team and try’s to encourage his teammates, as well as, his opponents from other schools, to do their best. Jake is always quick to congratulate his fellows runners at the finish line of a race, whether they are on his team or not. He will also cheer on or help up a fellow runner at the finish line- teammate or not. Jake is probably his own worst fan, never wanting to be proud of himself after a race, instead, trying to strategize what he can to better next time.

I’m addition to loving sports himself, Jake enjoys helping others to love sports as well. Jake chose to take peer to peer for physical education. In this class he is a helper for his peers with various disabilities. Jake has also served as a volunteer of the Gloucester Township Challenger league. The GT Challenger league volunteers help to teach the fundamentals of hockey to children of various ages and disabilities.

Jake is a leader in school as well. He is a 2 time nominee for athlete of the month. He has a GPA of 4.3 and is in the top 4% of his class. Jake is a member of the National Honor Society. As well as a member of the History, Science, Math, English, and World language honor Societies. Jake is also a member of the history club and has helped with various student council activities over the years.

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

I think Jake was born to help others! Whether it’s with sports, friends, family or the career he plans to pursue as a Orthopedic Physicians Assistant. He enjoys helping people.

Keep up the great work, Jake!

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