Junior Matthew Lima and senior Roxana Morales are in the spotlight this week, honored as the Students of the Month at Escalon High School.

Both received their nomination from George Megenney, who has worked with both students through the Academic Decathlon program and also taught them in class.

“This year marks the third I’ve had the pleasure of working with Matthew in Spanish class. He is a bright young man with a great deal of intellectual curiosity and enthusiasm for learning,” Megenney said. “This should be evident given that he signed up to take Spanish three years running in pre-period when most students are still in bed or just getting up. While others sleep, Matthew is ready and waiting to participate in classroom activities and collaborate with his peers. Matthew has been one of my top students and I am happy to say that he has learned quite a lot during his three years of exposure to Spanish instruction.”

Among his activities, Lima is involved in Academic Decathlon, Mock Trial, CSF and FFA. He has participated in Impromptu and Extemporaneous speaking contests for FFA, has raised and shown lambs, been involved in the Agronomy Career Development event and is an FFA Officer. He also was active in track and field his freshman year, attends St. Patrick’s Church and participates in church events as his schedule allows.

“I also had the opportunity to work with Matthew within the Academic Decathlon during the past two years,” added Megenney. “He served as a starter this year and won recognition with a silver medal in writing. Matthew has also participated in the FFA program since his freshman year. His dedication and strong work ethic has led him to earn numerous awards and recognition within the FFA.

“I am pleased to be able to nominate Mathew for this recognition which I believe is well-deserved.”

Recently elected to Central Region FFA Sentinel, Matthew has also earned his Golden State FFA degree, Star Chapter Farmer award, Prosecutor award in Mock Trial and took first place in the section FFA Extemporaneous Speaking contest.

“I would like to thank my mom for always driving me to my events and my dad for giving me an example of hard work and dedication,” said Matthew. “Also my ag teachers for giving so much for their student’s development and Mr. Megenney for nominating me for this honor.

A senior, Roxana Morales also has a long list of activities and achievements to her credit during her time at Escalon High School.

“I am happy to nominate Roxana for the Student of the Month award. She is highly deserving of positive recognition because of her hard work both within and outside of the classroom,” said Megenney. “Roxana comes from a very humble family, but despite hardships she has persevered in order to reach academic achievements and be highly involved with the EHS campus community. Roxana was a student in both my Spanish 3 and AP Spanish classes. She excelled within both and successfully passed the AP Spanish language exam. I felt that her abilities were strong enough to warrant her taking the AP Spanish Literature exam despite the fact that she would be preparing for it on her own. She also successfully passed that AP exam as well, difficult enough for a student enrolled in a class, even more so for a student doing it independently.”

Among her student achievements, Roxana is involved in CSF, HYLC, Academic Decathlon, student government and Sacred Heart, along with both the Key and Interact clubs. She is a member of the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Spanish and Bilingual Choir and is an Aztec dancer for religious and cultural events.

“I would like to thank Mr. Megenney for nominating me. He has been an amazing teacher and help to me the past years,” Roxana said. “Also my family and friends for encouraging me throughout high school and teachers and mentors who have prepared me for my future.”

An Academic Cougar in biology, Spanish III, conditioning and psychology, Roxana also has received her Academic Block E for two years and is a National School Society Scholar. She volunteered as a tutor for the Give Every Child A Chance program and served as an intern for the Ken Vogel campaign.

“In addition to having high academic standards for herself, Roxana has been highly involved on campus in a variety of activities including the Key Club, the CSF, of which she is currently the president, and the Academic Decathlon,” noted Megenney. “She is an active member of the student government and has helped to make a positive impact on the culture and school spirit at EHS.

“It goes without saying that she will continue a forward path after high school and achieve good things when she becomes the first member of her family to go to college in the fall.”

The Student of the Month recognition program at Escalon High School is sponsored by the Escalon Rotary Club.