Star Student: Michael Excels In Tredyffrin/Easttown Music

TREDYFFRIN/EASTTOWN, 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 submission comes from Jen Levin who nominated her family member, Michael.

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

Michael has been an exceptional student in the T/E community. At 13, he was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (T-Cell) and rushed to the Intensive Care Unit in critical condition at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, where a team of medical professionals saved his life, after chemo and treatment for more than three years.

Unfortunately, the toll of chemo was very hard on his bones, and Michael then had to overcome the challenge of Avascular Necrosis in his hip, ankles and legs— putting him in a wheelchair for nearly a year.

After several surgical procedures, Michael can walk with assistance.

He was granted the gift of a saxophone by the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Fast forward to today, he is one of the top clarinet and sax players in the Tredyffrin-/Easttown School District.

He is a section leader in the Conestoga Marching Band, which performed this year with the school’s music department at the Main Street Parade at Disneyworld in Orlando, Fla.

He was selected for the Allied Health internship program where he spends part of his school time at Phoenixville Hospital, observing and assisting medical patients.

He has also been an ambassador for the Children's Hospital Of Philadelphia, raising over $20,000 over several years for the hospital’s Parkway Run and Walk.

His outstanding academic, extracurricular, and community accomplishments paired with his musical excellence, leadership, and empathy for others, make him an exemplary young leader in the community and a pillar of strength in the school and district.

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

He is an incredible musical talent and a gentle sensitive soul.

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

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Know someone making a difference in town? Nominate them as a local hero here.