Three El Portal Middle School students were recently honored as the Students of the Month, recognized for achievements in a variety of areas. One student from each grade level, sixth, seventh and eighth, were chosen and recognized at a breakfast meeting of the Escalon Kiwanis Club.

Honorees were Joanna Rice Munoz, Sawyer Mello and Javier Fausto Vazquez.

Nominated by teacher Molly Flaming, sixth grader Joanna Rice Munoz was selected for her positive leadership and outstanding citizenship.

“Joanna always displays a positive attitude, is eager to learn, and never hesitates to help fellow students when they are struggling with something,” said Flaming. “She is a great role model in our classroom.”

Teacher Ken Baptista offered the nomination for seventh grade student Sawyer Mello.

“Sawyer is a joy to have in class. His positive outlook on learning is amazing and his sense of creativity and humor is wonderful,” Baptista said.

He was selected for his positive leadership and outstanding citizenship.

“He is a great role model for his fellow classmates, even though he is a Cavaliers fan,” Baptista added with a smile.

Recognized for his academic growth and positive leadership, eighth grader Javier Fausto Vazquez was also nominated by teacher Molly Flaming.

“Javier has made lots of growth in his math class. Last year was a struggle, so to see him excel the way he is makes me super proud of him,” noted Flaming. “He is also very positive, on-task, ready to learn and always helping others who need it.”