The first group of El Portal Middle School students chosen for honors this school year has been announced.

Named as the August Students of the Month were: sixth grader Gerardo Valentin, seventh grader Valeria Cruz and eighth grader Ailene Zepeda. The three were recently recognized at a breakfast meeting hosted by the Escalon Kiwanis Club, which sponsors the award.

Sixth grader Gerardo Valentin was singled out for recognition due to his perseverance, recommended by teacher Mrs. Jefferson.

“At the beginning of the year Gerardo expressed that math is a challenge for him,” Jefferson said. “I nominated Gerardo for Student of the Month because despite his self-proclaimed difficulties in math, he has shown wonderful math thinking and perseverance. He has taken risks and has already shown how hard he is willing to work.”

Mrs. Dyk recommended seventh grade student Valeria Cruz for the honor, based on academic growth, positive leadership and outstanding citizenship.

“Valeria has already set a positive tone for the school year,” said Dyk. “Although I have only had her in class for a month, I can already see how hard working she is. She sets a positive example for her classmates and has high expectations for herself.”

Eighth grader Ailene Zepeda also received her nomination from teacher Mrs. Dyk, who cited her positive leadership, academic growth and outstanding citizenship in recommending her for the honor.

“Ailene is a wonderful young lady. She has such a quiet personality, but she works so hard and sets the bar high for her academic performance,” Dyk said. “I always look forward to her sweet smile and hard-working attitude in class and I know I can count on her to always give her best efforts.”