Last month, Diamond Bar High School senior Josh Chen was recognized as youth hero of the community of Diamond Bar.
“Josh is a wonderful community hero. Besides being so busy with school work and his other clubs at the high school, Josh has been an excellent volunteer and activities chairperson for the Leo Club,” explained Wanda Tanaka, the Leo Club Sponsor.
At the Los Angeles County Fair’s “DB Day,” Chen rode through the parade in a classic, antique car. The parade also featured the DBHS Marching Band, DB Queen and her court, and even important dignitaries like Council Member Steve Tye. Congratulating him for his hard work, Jack Tanaka, as both a council member of Diamond Bar and Leo Club Sponsor, honored Chen with a certificate and neon yellow ribbon.
“It was the first legitimate ribbon that I earned. I was really excited and grateful. It was just like the ribbons you see at fairs with Best Apple Pie written on them,” Chen gleefully said.
Dedicated to helping the community, Chen has completed over 100 service hours and obtained the Gold Award from Lions Club International. In addition to all of Chen’s volunteer work, he is also an officer in clubs such as California Scholarship Federation, DBHS Leo Club, and DBHS Link Crew.
As the Inter-Organizational Council Representative of CSF, Chen helps with park renovation projects and at the Helping Hands Caring Hearts Food Kitchen. Not only is Chen responsible for reporting back to the club board and discussing future events, but he also needs to maintain a high academic GPA for membership. Since the beginning of high school, Chen has been consistent in having a 4.0 unweighted GPA.
Chen, the Director of Activities in Leo Club, has acquired the opportunities to volunteer for various charitable institutions including Ronald McDonald House and Relay for Life. As a Link Crew Captain, Chen participates with coordinating Freshman Orientation and holiday gatherings throughout the year.
“Volunteering is something that I really enjoy. To me, when I have free time, I like to spend it interacting with others. It’s much more fun and productive. I’m also really grateful for everything I have, so I want to be able to give back to others as well,” Chen commented.
Chen also assists many charitable groups such as the American Red Cross and the Inland Valley Humane Society.
“To me, giving back to the community means dedicating your time to causes worth giving to. My community service work has taught me to grow and has given me new outlooks on life,” Chen said.
