Star Student: Aidan Excels Musically In Lower Merion

LOWER MERION TOWNSHIP, PA — 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 student got two submissions, one from his mother Amy Shumoski and another from Jan Lindemann.

They nominated Aidan, Grade 11, of Lower Merion Township.

Star local student’s name

Aidan

Star local student’s home state

PA

How do you know the star local student?

Parent
Through his and his mom's volunteer work

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

Aidan is an extraordinary musician. In 2015 he started volunteering for Bugles Across America so that he could provide live Taps at military funerals. He has performed over 1,000 hours of community service and played at nearly 500 funerals and events. He also plays the cello bedside for patients at the VA Hospital in Philadelphia. Several local colleges, including Harcum College and St. Joe's University, call on him to perform the National Anthem at their sporting events. During the pandemic Aidan was a constant beam of light and hope for those in his community. He regularly played concerts from people's driveways and front lawns, including a special Memorial Day concert from his own driveway when his town's annual event was canceled. On top of all his many hours of service to others, he's also a stellar student. He is in his fourth year in the pre-college division at Juilliard, making a weekly Saturday commute to Manhattan for a twelve hour day of classes.

He is in the Julliard pre-college program for trumpet where he maintains an A average; he volunteers with veteran's groups to play Taps at veteran's funerals; plays at the Philadelphia VA Hospital; he plays for the senior citizens at the hot meal program at my church in NYC near Julliard.

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

Aidan is extremely humble and cares more about others than he does himself. He wants everyone around him to succeed and goes to great lengths to help and encourage others. In school he gives free trumpet lessons to younger students and talks at length about how they can use their talents to help others. He rarely says no to anything, even when he's exhausted and would rather be resting.

He is dedicated to music and brings joy to all who hear him.

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

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Know an outstanding student?

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