Kiwanis recognizes some Terrific Kids

The Shafter Kiwanis Club recognized a special group of students on Wednesday as they held their monthly Terrific Kids Luncheon. A different character trait is featured each month, with students exhibiting those traits honored for their achievements. Students are nominated by teachers and staff of each school in the Richland School District as well as Maple School and GROW Academy of Shafter.

This month, the focus trait was Inclusive. Among those students honored were Martiza Sepulveda and Marco Lopez from Golden Oak Elementary, who were presented their awards by Assistant Principal Jose Montelongo.

From Richland Junior High, Dean of Students Mylum Nicholson presented awards to Alan Vargas and Leonardo Medina.

Principal Christie Nelson of Maple School presented awards to students Giulietta Scialabba, Millie Wankum,Tegan Criner and Darbi Espinosa.

From Sequoia Elementary School, Assistant Principal Tonia Aguilera presented awards to Rozelyn Lopez and Ethan Cortinas.

Representing Redwood Elementary School, Assistant Principal Antonio Juarez gave out awards to Sugey Lopez and Mia Barron.

Students honored from GROW Academy of Shafter were Valeria Reyna, Noah Reyes and Isabella Esquivel.

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, bumper sticker and a t-shirt.