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Southwest County resident C J Lin didn’t know much about the Daughters of the American Revolution until he attended a recent luncheon at the Roanoke Country Club, where his 18-year-old son, Chen Lin, was presented with the society’s annual Good Citizen Award. Chen, a recent Cave Spring High School graduate, won both the Chapter and District award for his essay entitled, “Our American Heritage and Our Responsibility for Preserving It.”

Barbara Bryan, regent of the Margaret Lynn Lewis Chapter, explained Chen’s essay, “It was about patriotism and how he regards patriotism.”

His patriotic pride and love of America is reflected in this brief passage included in Chen’s application. He wrote, “Since the age of one, I have lived in America and I am now a U.S. citizen. I have always been proud of this country because of all the opportunities and freedom this nation has to offer.”

Written words were just one factor considered in choosing Chen. Bryan noted, “This boy, I think, is truly remarkable because he’s interested in so many things in so many areas.”

CSHS guidance counselor  David Nedrow, who coordinated the scholarship at the school level, referred to Chen as a  Renaissance man.   “Chen is a very multi-talented young man. He has the academic, the music, and the athletics. He’s just very well rounded. Any father would love to have him as a son.”

Born in Beijing,  Chen didn’t meet his father until he was 1  year  old. His dad was persuaded  to come to America to pursue a Ph.D. at Kansas State University by his pregnant wife, A. Shah Yang, who remained in China. Although Lin regretted he was not able to be there for his son’s birth, he knew he made the best decision for his family.

Chen said he’s really grateful for his dad’s choice. “From what my dad’s told me about his past, it was hard growing up in China,” Chen said. “There weren’t a lot of opportunities, especially out in the country. I’m really grateful that my dad brought me here and has been able to provide me with the opportunities here in America.”

When Chen was 12, his young mom passed away. Lin became a single parent who  had to learn how to juggle  work and family. He wrote in an e-mail, “It took a while for both of us to get adjusted to our new life after my late wife’s sudden departure. Chen learned in his early age to be independent and responsible.”

The straight-A student humbly claims he hasn’t done a “whole lot of community service,”  which includes volunteering at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, with Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway, with sports teams, working with the Beta Club, and tutoring elementary students. He’s also been playing violin for nine years and performs with the Roanoke Youth Symphony.

Chen will be heading to the University of Virginia in the fall. “I’m really excited about that,” he said. “My dad would kind of like me to be a doctor, but he’ll be supportive in whatever I choose to do.”

Lin confirmed that in his e-mail: “I wish him to become a neurosurgeon in the future. His mom died of an aneurism at such a young age. I hope he could contribute to saving lives of other people with such a disease. However, I shall support him for whatever career path he chooses. I am very proud of Chen for being a good son, a good natured person and a good student.”

Bryan said Lin has every right to be really proud of Chen. “He’s done a good job raising him. This really is a father-son success story.”