Forest Hills Eastern student brings his A-game

ADA TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — James Dempsey may look like just another student in his class at Forest Hills Eastern High School, but he’s got some special skills that make him stand out.

“I’m at differential equations at Michigan State, so college class,” Dempsey said. “Quite a bit of work, but I really enjoy the challenge.”

In addition to taking college math, he’s a catcher on the baseball team, a tutor and a volunteer for Kids Food Basket.

“I think it’s just kind of humbling to see what I have in comparison to a lot of people that don’t have as much. Bridging that gap of insecurity in terms of food is something that I’m really passionate about,” Dempsey said.

He says his passion runs highest for baseball, something he admits he couldn’t live without.

“It’s baseball and I know that that’s not the right answer to give in terms of what makes you seem like a better person,” Dempsey said. “But for me, I love the game of baseball pretty much more than anything.”

Doreen Barnes has taught Dempsey in three out of his four years during high school.

“I just love him. He’s so awesome,” Barnes said. “He’s the reason I teach. He comes to school every day. He brings his A-game. It doesn’t matter what we ask of James, he is on it with a positive attitude.”

She added, “I will always think of Dempsey and what he brings to a school and to a community. I can’t wait to see what he does moving forward.”

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