'He Speaks For The Trees': Fairfield Star Student

FAIRFIELD, 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 Mary Hogue, who nominated Ryan, a 7th grader from Tomlinson Middle School in Fairfield.

Star local student’s name

Ryan, 7th grade, Tomlinson Middle School

Star local student’s home state

Connecticut

How do you know the star local student?

Ryan created a slideshow when he was in 4th grade to explain how important it is to plant trees. He talked about how having every kid plant a tree would help to reverse climate change. His mom contacted the Town Tree Warden and we planted a tree at his elementary school with Channel 12 covering the ceremony!

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

Since we met Ryan we were able to plant a tree at his elementary school while he was in 5th grade. He has provided his slideshow to the Fairfield Board of Selectmen, the Fairfield, Trumbull, Stratfield Conservation Commissions and the Hamden Alliance for Trees. He has done presentations to the entire Trumbull 5th grade and for two years has been presenting to the Fairfield Summer School students.

He attended the 2023 CTLCV Environmental Summit recently and was able to meet with his state Senator, the Governor and several other elected officials and environmental advocates. He gave a synopsis of his presentation. They were extremely interested and we expect him to do more presentations to other towns and to state legislative committees. He is always willing to provide presentations to interested audiences.

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

Although typically shy and reserved, he is a passionate advocate for planting trees and protecting the environment. He spends about a week preparing for each of his presentations. He challenges himself to get out of his comfort zone. He speaks for the trees!

Congratulations on your achievements, and all of our best wishes to you in the future, Ryan, at Tomlinson Middle School!

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