Eight local students were honored by the Kiwanis Club of Sunnyslope during its “Student of the Month” luncheon, held Dec. 12 at Sunnyslope High School.
Being honored as a Student of Month were seventh-grader Anthony Juarez and eighth-grader Deborah Mackabu from Royal Palm Middle School. Anthony, who was applauded for always turning in quality school work and for participating in class discussions, in on track to take high-school level algebra while in eighth grade next year. With a smile that lights up a room, Deborah is determined and persistent and was praised for being a leader by setting a good example.
From Mountain View School, seventh-grader José Giles and eighth-grader Kenner Ardon were recognized. Known for being kind and respectful José knows what is expected from him in class and always follows through. Kenner, who was named a Student of the Month when he was in seventh grade, is a mature and focused young man who works hard to accomplish his goals and always works above his grade level.
Also being honored were seventh-grader Karla Vazquez and eighth-grader Mario Campos from Sunnyslope School. Karla, a member of the National Junior Honor Society whose favorite subjects are science and math, also finds time to play volleyball and perform on the piano in the school orchestra. A basketball player who wants to someday be an immigration attorney, Mario exudes a quiet confidence and determination to succeed at whatever he sets his mind to.
From Central High, Marsha Yanez Ogles was honored. Marsha is fluent in English, Spanish and American Sign Language (ASL), is a member of the National Honor Society, and is active in band and choir. She enjoys participating in service projects and hopes to one day have a career helping others, either as a nurse or counselor. She received a scholarship to Grand Canyon University and will attend there in the fall.
Austin Cotter, a senior at Sunnyslope High School, also was recognized. Austin is a young man of many talents—he’s an excellent writer, a drum major for the marching band, an accomplished actor, and an Eagle Scout. A member of the National Honor Society and treasurer the school’s Spanish Honor Society, Austin was notified that he is a finalist for the Flinn Foundation Scholarship, valued at over $100,000; he also was accepted at Barrett, The Honors College at ASU. He hopes to study biology or medicine.
The Kiwanis honor outstanding students each month as a way of applauding their academic and leadership successes and encouraging them to continue to set an example for their fellow students. All students receive a framed certificate and a bumper sticker.
