Grimmway student honored

A local third-grader has been selected to attend a national leadership forum this summer.

Ezra Munoz, a fourth-generation Shafterite, is a student at Grimmway Academy in Shafter. He was nominated by his teacher, Adriana Salazar, because of his love of learning and leadership skills. He already reads at a high school level.

The National Youth Leadership Forum is an Envision program at Occidental College in Los Angeles. Salazar said that he was selected because Ezra "already demonstrates exceptional maturity, scholastic merit and leadership potential at his young age."

This program is the only one of its kind for outstanding students. The program is a forum where students learn leadership, communication, time management, and career choices.

NYLF is a unique learning experience for bright, forward-thinking students who are expected mature into the next generation of innovators, scientists and leaders. During the intensive six-day immersive experience, students learn by doing as they take part in hands-on simulations, workshops and competitions, while making new friends and having adventures as they navigate their way through a series of challenges.

Ezra's family and friends are excited and have begun to fundraise to meet the tuition needed for him to attend the program this summer. His father, Victor, and mother, Chantell, said that they want Ezra to excel in all he does, in addition to encourage his love of learning so he can continue to thrive. "This experience will help him to become a future leader in his school, church, and community," Ezra's grandfather, Victor Munoz, said,

Individuals, businesses, or groups that would like to help sponsor Ezra or donate are asked to contact Maria Munoz at 661-304-6720.