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The 2011 Academic All-Stars are students who stand out – and not just academically. They are unique, smart, helpful, creative and giving. They go above and beyond what is expected of them.
Aria Delgado wants to do it all. So for the PTA Reflections competition for Fresno/Madera County, she entered six categories rather than just one. She ended up taking first place in visual arts, musical composition, dance choreography and film production. Her works will move on to the state-level competition.
It was fitting on Wear Your Pajamas to School Day that Evan Poindexter showed up in a Superman outfit. His teacher, Daryl Johnson, and principal, Charlotte Hines, called Evan a super student.
Karla Curiel isn't just a standout student -- she's also a standout teacher. The 8-year-old teaches her parents English a few afternoons a week, after she gets home from a full day at Huron Elementary. Sofia Chavez and Victor Curiel immigrated from Mexico and still struggle with the language.
Anthony Herrick doesn't do anything at half speed.
Kaycie Lynn Saxton thrives on activity. She participates in nearly every sport her school offers, plays the piano, sings in the school's choir and volunteers at her church.
Camryn Jennie Monreal specializes in throwing strikeouts on the softball mound, but she's also an ace in the classroom and a leader at Miramonte Elementary School.
From helping the Marines with the Toys for Tots drive to volunteering at the Fresno County Library, Tenaya Middle School student Alexa Isabella Sciacqua is always willing to help when people need it. Her algebra teacher, Bryan Cardoza, says her compassion is her greatest asset.
Mykesha Lankford has spastic quadriplegia cerebral palsy, a neurological condition that can cause paralysis in all four limbs of the body.
After racking up about 80 volunteer hours last year, it should come as no surprise that Kindra Marie Armstrong would like to pursue a career that will allow her to serve the community.
Ronny Schmitz San Martin knows where she wants to go to college -- Harvard -- and what she wants to major in -- quantum physics -- and she's in a big hurry to get there.
Buchanan High junior Kaitlyn Sims drills home convincing arguments during mock trial and also volunteers at Saint Agnes Hospital. This Academic All-Star with a 4.667 weighted grade-point average plans to merge those two interests into a career in patientcare advocacy one day.
Bianca Chavez will soon leave Madera to attend Stanford University, but it seems unlikely she'll forget where she came from.