Rotary honors 4 students of the month

By Michelle Chance

The Maricopa Rotary Club honored four Students of the Month at the MUSD Govering Board meeting Feb. 22.

Rotary’s youth coordinator Alma Farrell  highlighted two high school students and two middle school students nominated by their teachers as Students of the Month in January.

Farrell described Maricopa High School senior Karla Orci Vega as an “aggressive student” in the two-year CAVIT program. Orci Vega will have earned two nursing certificates when she graduates in May. She also plays on the MHS softball team.

Katherine Siebert, another senior at MHS, was recognized for her academic and athletic pursuits. Farrell said Siebert has earned Honor Roll awards and impressed the athletics department with her work ethic as their student aide. Siebert is a four-year MHS soccer player.

Eighth grader Ariana Vaida is a straight-A student at Maricopa Wells Middle School, Farrell said. She is also the president of her school’s National Junior Honor Society chapter a three-time MUSD Spelling Bee champion.

“We can see how she demonstrates tremendous leadership, academic skills and a commitment to her school and community,” Farrell added.

Desert Wind Middle School eighth grader Jarom Hoopes is described by his teachers as a “quiet leader in all classes … that many many students look up to and revere,” Farrell said.

Hoopes plays baseball, is involved in city activities and is active in his church.

The Maricopa Rotary Club is part of a worldwide, non-profit, service organization. The local club was founded in 1954.

Farrell said the organization has concentrated on Maricopa youth the last 10-12 years: “We have focused on building the recognition of our youth and helping them realize the importance of community service.”

These are just a few of the many examples of youth who excel in Maricopa.