December Students of the Month were honored with a special breakfast and received plaques, courtesy of the Escalon Kiwanis Club, for making their mark at El Portal Middle School.

One student from each grade level, fourth through sixth, is tapped for the monthly honor. December selections were Davis Harper, Johnathon Costa and Cindy Gutierrez.

Sixth grader Harper was nominated by teacher Kristi Michaels.

"Davis is one of the best writers I have ever had," Michaels said. "He is a great student and athlete who is respected by his peers."

Also described as a courteous person who is always willing to do more than required, Michaels said Harper "is always up for a challenge" and strives for excellence in all he does.

The seventh grade honoree was Costa, put up for the award by teacher Alison Bavaro.

"Johnathon is a hard working conscientious student. He always participates in class and works well with his peers," Bavaro said. "He is always helpful to me and the other students. Johnathon is a model student and I look forward to having him in my class for the rest of the year and hopefully for geometry next year."

Nominating eighth grader Gutierrez was teacher Nathan Bartelink, who said she "strives to be perfect" in all her work and has done an outstanding job this year.

"Cindy has consistently been one of the highest performers in her algebra class the entire year," Bartelink explained. "She works extremely hard and is meticulous in her work. She is a model for what her peers could look to in order to be a great student."

Gutierrez is also known for her respectful and friendly attitude on campus.

"I couldn't think of anyone more deserving of the student of the month award," Bartelink said.