Rotary Club Students of the Month honored by MUSD

The Maricopa Unified School District’s governing broad and the Maricopa Rotary Club honored several outstanding MUSD students at Wednesday’s meeting.

The seven students hailing from Maricopa High School, the MHS Cavit program, Desert Winds Middle School and Maricopa Wells Middle School were all recognized for their enduring contributions both inside and out of the classroom.

This month, from Maricopa High School, the Rotary Club honored senior Pamela Crabajales.

Pamela was nominated by the administration and several faculty members at MHS, according to the Rotary club report. She was nominated by Counselor Chris Lathan, and was regarded by Roberto Muro as working closely with the police department to create awareness about the duties and responsibilities of law enforcement. Pamela is also a LINK Crew Leader, school newspaper editor, a member of the National Honor Society and participant in DECA.

“Pamela is a tremendous young woman,” MHS DECA sponsor Bernadette Russoniello said. “She faces challenges with a positive attitude, smile and a professional manner.”

The Rotary Club also honored high school students from the CAVIT program.

Susanna Rivera is a senior focusing on cosmetology. She participates in Skills USA and DECA, and is on the honor roll. Her passion for cosmetology has driven her to be involved in clinics at CAVIT, while she also shadows at the Country Stylin’ Salon in Maricopa. Susanna is going to Central Arizona College for business management is heavily involved in various church activities at Our Lady of Grace.

Also from Cavit is senior nursing program student Robinson Torres. Robinson is on the honor roll, plays basketball and has perfect attendance. He has worked in the community to help feed needy children, has helped with multiple blood drives and is involved in a clinic in Sacaton. He, too, is very much involved with his church, Our Lady of Grace.

From Maricopa Wells Middle School the Rotary Club  honored eighth-grader Cipriano Childers for setting an example for fellow classmates of what an outstanding student, athlete and person should be. He is the vice-president of the National Junior Honor Society and has a 4.0 GPA all while participating in baseball, football and wrestling. He is noted for helping the community through Relay for Life and MLK Service Days at Maricopa Wells. Cipriano also is active at his church, Our Lady of Grace.

Also from Maricopa Wells, eighth-grader Amelia Guzman is being recognized for her academic and extracurricular achievements. Amelia is a member of the National Junior Honor Society and is enrolled in two honors classes while playing softball. She is likewise involved in Relay for Life and has volunteered for city events including the Merry Copa Festival.

Desert Wind Middle School acknowledged two students.

Eighth grader Hannah Skousen was selected for academic and extracurricular excellence. She is not only part of the band but also a member of the basketball and softball teams. She is involved in 4H and is an active member of her church. She is noted to always be well prepared and is a confident vocal leader.

“Hannah is incredibly helpful in the classroom,” Maricopa Wells science teacher Joanne Brown said. “She is self-motivated and always up for a challenge. She always has a smile and tries to view the positive side of thing.”

Not in attendance at the board meeting was Desert Wind honoree eighth-grader Ryan Nguyen. He has been acknowledged as a model student for his inquisitive nature and quick wit. He is top of his class and is involved with the basketball and baseball teams. He is also noted for his artistic abilities, and his drawings and origami can be seen decorating various classrooms at Desert Wind.

Ryan’s family is very supportive of his artistic and academic endeavors and encourage him to always go above and beyond teacher expectations.