Kiwanis honors local students

The Shafter Kiwanis Club held their monthly Terrific Kids luncheon, recognizing a group of outstanding students who were nominated by their teachers or staff. They were recognized for best exemplifying the particular trait for that month. This month, the trait was Friendly.

The Terrific Kids program has been honoring students for decades, giving them positive reinforcement for their exhibition of positive character traits at their respective schools.

Those traits that the Kiwanis and the school's teachers are looking for include Thoughtful, Enthusiastic, Respectful, Responsible, Inclusive, Friendly, Inquisitive and Capable.

May's trait is Respectful. Teachers from the Richland School District nominate students who exhibit that trait. Each student receives a certificate, a pencil, a bumper sticker and a t-shirt.

For Richland Junior High School, the students recognized were Javier Contreras, Ileanna Roque and Troy Lopez. They were given their awards by Dean of Students Mylum Nicholson.

Principal Ivonne Hernandez from Redwood Elementary recognized Haley Rosales and Olivia Escalera. Olivia Lopez, Ezekiel Lopez, and Benjamin Cordero were honored by their principal, Janean Johnson.