Clovis middle schoolers named Hope of America for excelling in academics, sports and community service
Five exemplary students — one from each of Clovis Unified’s five intermediate schools -- were presented with scholarships last week from the Kiwanis Club of Old Town Clovis.
The community service organization presents the Hope of America Award each year to those students who excel academically as well as in sports, community service and character. Kiwanians said they hope that with the cash scholarship, students will stay motivated to continue their efforts throughout high school.
The students were nominated by their principals, teachers and coaches. Honorees are listed below, including an excerpt from their nomination form:
Mary Davis, Kastner Intermediate
“[Mary] is well-rounded in her co-curricular endeavors and successful in the classroom. In addition to earning straight A’s at the semester, dancing on the Kastner varsity cheer squad, performing in Kastner’s elite symphonic band, throwing the shot put for track, and challenging herself with honors courses, Mary brightens the campus with her huge smile.”
McKay Anderson, Granite Ridge Intermediate
“McKay is a dynamic leader on our campus who works day in and day out to better our campus and our community. Whether it is giving tours to incoming students, picking up trash during lunch, spending his weekend working a Special Olympics event, or sitting with kids who are alone, McKay does it all.”
Miliani Lam, Clark Intermediate
“While in the classroom, Miliani is the model student who always shows great character and respect for her teachers, as well as anyone she comes into contact with. … For the past two years, she has been a participant on the Clark Intermediate swim and badminton team. She played volleyball for the first time as an 8th grader. Miliani is also involved in the Visual and Performing Arts Program in that she was a member of the orchestra as a 7th grader and has been a strong vocalist in the choir for the past two years.”
Gianna Chiaramonte, Alta Sierra Intermediate
“People know that Gianna sees a need and gets things done -- whether it is working on projects such as character presentations for elementary students, creating food baskets for families in need … presenting to community members about the services that peer counselors provide to students, or being a friend to someone on campus who may be struggling … all this while continuing to earn a 4.0 grade point average.”
Bryant Thao, Reyburn Intermediate
“Bryant is the heart and soul of Reyburn and his passion for helping others and making a difference is evident to everyone who meets him. He’s the student you’re grateful to have in your class and wish you could keep forever. … He’s been elected as our student council president two years in a row … Bryant has maintained a pristine 4.0 grade point average …(and) has been an integral member of our soccer and volleyball teams.”
This story was originally published May 18, 2017 at 4:44 PM with the headline "Clovis middle schoolers named Hope of America for excelling in academics, sports and community service."