ABC7 Star Scholar: Riley Quinn

SAN CARLOS, Calif. (KGO) -- This marks the 10th year ABC7 has celebrated student achievement with the "Star Scholars" program. Every year, we reward seven Bay Area high school seniors with a $1,000 scholarship each toward his or her college education.

We met recent graduate Riley Quinn, who is considered a legend on the Saint Francis High School campus in Mountain View.

From his stand out performances on the gridiron, baseball diamond and basketball court to inside the classroom and around his community, this San Carlos teen exudes star quality.

"His work ethic is pretty incredible, especially being a three-sport athlete here," football coach Greg Calcagno said. "He's obviously an extremely smart young man, never got an A-minus even here, so he's always had an A."

This 2015 ABC7 Star Scholar is bound for MIT in the fall to pursue his love of business and football.

"Academics have always been number one priority in my life. What's better than MIT really? I kinda wanna challenge myself and see what I can do academically there and then I also have the opportunity to play football for four more years, so that is definitely something I'm looking forward to," Quinn said.

"Me having only being born with one hand, that's pretty much the reason, in my opinion, why I have such a strong work ethic, the person I am, my character today and my values and beliefs," he said.

"I would always have to work harder and do better than other kids just to kind of be looked at the same and viewed on the same playing field, to work harder to get the basic skills, how to catch a football, how to throw a baseball, just to be able to play the sport then I'd have to use my athletic ability to kinda excel."

Lyanne Melendez: Do you call it a disability?

Quinn: I guess on the surface you could call it a disability. But I think it's really a blessing. I love the way I am. I wouldn't want to change it at all.

Quinn is an inspiration to all he meets. He wants to continue giving back to others by sharing his story and proving anything is possible with a lot of hard work and even greater heart.

This is the tenth year for ABC7's Star Scholars program, where ABC7 gives recognition to seven outstanding students, each of whom receives a $1,000 scholarship toward his or her college education. Watch Sunday, July 12 at 6:30 p.m. to learn more about all of our Star Scholars!