Education

Students honored for service, outstanding academics

Dec 4, 2017

101

rotary1 — Sonya Martinez and McKinley Hacker were named Rotary Students of the Month. Photo by Michelle Chance

Local secondary students received accolades Wednesday night for their outstanding academic, extracurricular and community service efforts in Maricopa.

The Maricopa Unified School District Governing Board recognized students Sonya Martinez, McKinley Hacker and Evan Grace during a meeting Nov. 30.

Sonya, a Maricopa High School senior, received recognition from the Rotary Club for her academic pursuits and mentorship of underclassmen. She was nominated by MHS Guidance Counselor Gretchen Mazaheri for Rotary Student of the Month for October.

“Rotary Club is told that her maturity, the focus and the seriousness that you apply to your current academics and your future is greatly admired,” said Aron Rausch, Rotary representative and MUSD business services director.

The soon-to-be graduate also works inside the school bookstore, where staff told Rotary she completes her tasks cheerfully, “with a smile on her face.” Martinez is also involved in chamber orchestra, colorguard and winterguard at the high school.

Rotary Club later honored eighth grade Desert Wind student McKinley Hacker. Staff at the middle school nominated McKinley as the October Rotary Student of the Month in large part for her creative-thinking on projects and for the “high-quality” school work she submits.

“It was reported to us that McKinley excels academically and always does her best to provide thorough written answers to questions about scientific concepts,” Rausch added.

McKinley plays on the DWMS soccer team and is a member of the National Junior Honor Society.

Evan Grace, 16, is no stranger to the district office stage where he has received numerous honors for his community service in the past.

Wednesday, Evan received the Points of Light award signed by President George H.W. Bush. The Points of Light foundation was founded in 1990 by Bush “to encourage and empower the spirit of service,” Superintendent Steve Chestnut said.

Grace began his volunteer work at age 13 with the Blue Star Mothers of Maricopa. He has since organized sock, toiletry and candy drives for deployed servicemen and women. The teen is a member of the Arizona Governor’s Youth Commission and has won the President’s Volunteer Service Award twice.

Last year, Grace became the youngest person to win the Maricopa Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year award.

“Evan is helping to make a difference,” Chestnut said.