GILROY
– Gilroy High School’s elite were honored for their outstanding
academics and ‘Mustang Pride’ at an award luncheon Wednesday.
By Lori Stuenkel
GILROY – Gilroy High School’s elite were honored for their outstanding academics and ‘Mustang Pride’ at an award luncheon Wednesday. In the first round of what will be the monthly Spirit Recognition Program, freshman Alexis Dalke, sophomore David Bress, junior Santiago Maciel and senior Bria DeLorenzo were all named Student of the Month while science teacher Rachel Kelly was named Teacher of the Month.
“We want to recognize members of our school community who truly embrace Mustang Pride,” said Joni Madolora, assistant principal at GHS.
GHS Principal Bob Bravo presented each of the students with a certificate of recognition, along with a $25 gift certificate to Wherehouse Music, during a luncheon at China Palace Restaurant. Kelly received a $100 gift certificate to a local restaurant. Four students and one teacher will be awarded each month.
GHS teachers each nominated students for the award based on criteria set by the administration, which include promoting Mustang pride, holding oneself to a higher academic standard, being a positive role model and participating in extracurricular activities.
Each Student of the Month currently has a 3.75 or higher grade point average, perfect attendance and participates in multiple activities.
“They’re all doing extracurricular activities, and the key is they’re not just doing their own activities, they’re also … attending the dances, attending other school functions,” Madolora said.
Teacher Rachel Kelly fulfills those criteria and is a role model for colleagues and students, Madolora said.
“I thought, ‘Wow, that’s cool,'” Kelly said. “I was shocked, I wasn’t expecting it.”
This month’s awards have sparked future awards and November nominations are already flowing in.
“And that’s what we want, that’s what we like to see,” Madolora said.
