Two juniors and two seniors were recently selected as Students of the Month at Escalon High School, singled out for recognition in the Sunrise Rotary Club program.

Juniors Rebecca Taggart and Erik Espinoza, along with seniors Kyra Wilson and Kaitlyn Jaime were the honorees.

Teacher Paul Anserlian nominated Rebecca Taggart for the program.

“She leads her lab groups well and keeps them on track,” Anserlian said of being in his sports physiology class. “She makes everyone feel welcome and is a great leader while allowing all students’ ideas to be heard and made to feel meaningful.”

A member of FCA, Friends Helping Friends, Key Club and PIT, she also is a Covenant Church youth group member and active in the AWANA program. She has earned an Academic Block E, the Michael Simone award in PIT and both a scholar athlete and coaches award.

“She makes great inquiries and drives our class discussions forward,” added Anserlian. “She works within the community, such as the buddy she has with the PIT class, to bring cheer and happiness.”

Rebecca thanked Mr. Anserlian for nominating her and the teachers that have supported her through school, “especially Mr. Fachner for being one of the best teachers and teaching me life lessons” – as well as her friends and family for always supporting her.

Nominated by teacher and coach Derek Scott, Erik Espinoza has made strides both in the classroom and in the gym.

“Erik has shown tremendous improvement in his citizenship, academic effort and positive school participation,” said Scott. “Erik is currently participating on the wrestling team with a great attitude and is working very hard. He currently has a 3.5 on this grade reporting period. Erik has really shown a great improvement this school year.”

For his part, Erik thanked Mr. Scott for “helping me in class and being good at wrestling.”

Senior Kyra Wilson earned her nomination from teacher Melissa Stone.

“I have had Kyra as a student for four years,” said Stone. “Throughout her time at Escalon High, she has developed superior leadership skills. In addition to her academic enthusiasm, she demonstrates a sense of compassion that is not shared by many of her peers. She is very deserving of this award.”

The senior attends Big valley Grace Community Church, received an academic award in small business and works at Ernie’s fine dining restaurant in Manteca.

“I would like to thank my mom for always pushing me to be the best I can be,” said Kyra. “And Mrs. Stone for helping me find my passion for writing.”

Teacher Andrew Beam offered the nomination for senior Kaitlyn Jaime.

“Kaitlyn is one of the most outstanding students this year in psychology,” said Beam. “She is one of the first to volunteer in class, participate in discussion activities, and she routinely is the highest testing student in the class.”

A Key Club and FFA member, she also participates in activities of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and served as president of the Laurel Class, for girls 16 to 18.

“She always brings a positive attitude and personality to class and I believe she makes her classmates around her better because of these positive traits,” added Beam. “Kaitlyn is a great representative of the type of student our Rotary Club is looking for.”

Kaitlyn won the Miss Congeniality award as part of the Miss Escalon 2015 pageant and received a Block E award and Gold Cougar 4.0 shirt. She has been active in track and soccer and plays indoor soccer. She wants to travel to as many countries as possible and continue her education by going to college.

“I would like to thank my parents for the endless support they give me in anything I do,” said Kaitlyn. “Also the staff and coaches of Escalon High because a great student and athlete starts with great teachers and coaches.”

The students were honored at a meeting of the Escalon Sunrise Rotary Club for their achievement.