Two Escalon High School seniors were singled out for recognition as the Students of the Month recently in the program sponsored by the Escalon Sunrise Rotary.

Briana Brasil and Juan Albor received the accolades for their achievements at school and in the community.

Teacher Mr. Rose offered the nomination for Briana Brasil, describing her as the type of student that teachers “look forward to seeing each day” in class.

“She enters class with a pleasant, friendly, respectful, and positive attitude and demeanor,” Rose said. “Her attitude is infectious and because of it she is someone you just want to be around. During class activities she shows engagement, asks questions and collaborates extremely well with peers.”

A member of the EHS orchestra, Key Club secretary, mock trial, drama club, PIT, FCA member and ASB senior class president, she is also involved with the Escalon Presbyterian Church youth group and is a junior queen for the FES Oakdale Hall.

“Through the effort she displays it is clear her academic performance matters to her,” added Rose. “Briana is involved in several school related activities and shows enthusiasm for her school and community.”

With a goal of being a History teacher, Briana is also the reigning Miss Escalon and was a Homecoming Queen candidate this year. She serves as a delegate for the Manteca LUSO youth council and performs yearly for a Portuguese Dance group.

“I would like to thank Mr. Rose for my nomination for student of the month,” Briana said.

Now an EHS cheerleader, she also has played volleyball and softball in the past and received most inspirational honors in both volleyball and softball as well as being an All Star cheerleader this year. A sports scholar throughout high school, she has also earned her Academic Block E and has a GPA of 4.3 for the current semester. She also plays percussion in the Azores Band of Escalon.

Nominated by teacher Mrs. Gregorios, she described Juan as “a leader in my classroom, confidently participating in discussions about complex topics with grace and respect.”

He is a member of PIT, plays indoor soccer in the Big League Dreams sports complex in Manteca and has played soccer for EHS for four years, including two years as a team captain.

“He is able to express himself in writing and has strong opinions about promoting empathy,” added Gregorios. “Juan truly leads by example by spreading positivity to those around him, such as friends, family and teachers. In addition, he is a student athlete and a member of PIT, able to manage his time and stay organized while striving for athletic and academic success.”

He volunteers on Saturdays at the Modesto Farmers Market and works in the fields weekends and non-school days.

“I live two worlds, 100 percent Mexican life at home and 100 percent American life at school where I lead by example in classes and soccer, academically and philosophically,” Juan said.

He went on to thank his parents, brother and sister Javi and Alejandra and soccer coaches, JV coach and teacher Chris Oliveira and varsity coach Paul Silva, along with Mrs. Gregorios for nominating him.

“And of course the entire staff at Van Allen, El Portal and EHS for helping me become who I am,” he said.