Terrific Kids honored at Kiwanis Club luncheon

The Shafter Kiwanis Club honored some Terrific Kids at a recent luncheon. Each month, the principals and assistant principals nominate a student or students who exemplify the characteristic that is being observed for that month. This month the trait was "influential."

Golden Oak Elementary School Principal Anamarie Mendez introduced Kaleb Abair. Kaleb, a sixth grader, is "an amazing student." He not only befriends new students, but is also gifted and talented in his heart, she said

Redwood Elementary School Principal Luis Rodriguez honored Annaly Garza. Annaly is a third grader. She is "very articulate and has taken the lead in the school's beautification project."

Sequoia Elementary School Principal Frank Flores introduced Kiara Medina as Sequoia's Terrific Kid. Kiara, a third grader, is "a fun-loving young lady." She encourages other students to become active in the school.

Richland Junior High Principal Rosa Romero introduced Nataly Ramirez and Adan Vargas as the school's Terrific Kids. Both Nataly and Adan are well-rounded students. Nataly is involved in band, oral language festivals and soccer. Adan is involved in basketball and is very polite when engaged in conversation, Romero said.

The Terrific Kids program is a student recognition program that promotes character development, self-esteem and perseverance. "Terrific" is an acronym for thoughtful, enthusiastic, respectful, responsible, inclusive, friendly, inquisitive and capable.

Students work with their classroom teacher to establish goals to improve behavior, peer relationships, attendance and school work. Students who are nominated for achieving their goals are honored with a luncheon and are presented with certificates acknowledging their accomplishments.