Kiwanis salutes responsible students

The Kiwanis Club of Shafter held a special luncheon on Dec. 11 to honor local students selected as Terrific Kids for demonstrating exceptional responsibility in the classroom. Teachers nominated the students whose achievements were celebrated alongside their families and community members. Guests enjoyed lunch, and each student received a certificate, pencil, bumper sticker and t-shirt in recognition of their efforts.

"We love acknowledging people who are responsible at all ages, but particularly children, because we love to see them grow up to be responsible adults. Congratulations to all our honorees. We are very proud of you," Debbe Haley, a Kiwanis Club member for eight years, said.

Golden Oak Elementary School Assistant Principal Jose Montelongo presented certificates to Mari Jose Ortega and Melanie Perez. Richland Junior High School students Gisille Denogean and Jayleen Gonzalez were honored with awards. Redwood Elementary School Assistant Principal Mr. Antonio Juarez presented certificates to Isaac Salgado and Stefany Rios Zamudio.

Sequoia Elementary School students Valentina Vargas-Rios and Ethan Cortinas received their certificates from Assistant Principal Tonia Aguilera. Angelique Trevino, Lucas Garcia, Oscar De La Torre and Izabella Galaviz Becerra from GROW Academy Shafter were awarded certificates by Dean Esteban Arias. Maple Elementary School Principal Christy Herstad presented certificates to Ethan Barajas, Reagan Gebhardt, Leila Gonzalez and Olive McCuen.