Eight local students were honored by The Rotary Club of Morgan Hill for their academic performance, individual leadership, commitment to the community and overall excellence as part of the organization’s Outstanding Student Achievement Recognition Program.
Each of the students were selected by their principals or teachers who identified them as great scholars or student leaders who strive to make the Morgan Hill community a better place, according to Morgan Hill Unified School District’s March 24 press release.
“These students selflessly give of their time to help those in need in our area or have persevered in their education and life in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds,” it states.
Students were acknowledged with a framed certificate and a cash award after their principal or teacher spoke about their accomplishments. The outstanding students also talked about their successes, and many described their aspirations and future goals.
“We are exceptionally proud of all of these young men and women who showcase positive leadership amongst their peers, and we know they will go on to achieve amazing things in life,” said Superintendent Steve Betando.
Each student also had the opportunity to identify a quote that reflected their philosophy for personal success:
• Katie Meager, an eighth grader from St. Catherine School chose an anonymous writer’s quote: “The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.”
• Jodi Rodriguez, an eighth grader from Britton Middle School, found Swami Vivekananda’s philosophy for success an excellent guide: “Take up one idea. Make that one idea your life—think of it, dream of it, live on that idea. Let the brain, muscles, nerves, every part of your body, be full of that idea, and just leave every other idea alone. This is the way to success.”
• Jaylene Baltazar, an eighth grader from Martin Murphy Middle School, values Albert Einstein’s words: “Try not to become the person of success, but rather try to become the person of value.”
• Ben Millward, a senior from Oakwood School, identified with Oscar Wilde’s quote: “What seems to us as bitter trials are often blessings in disguise.”
• Samantha Sadoff, a senior at Live Oak High School, named a proverb that reflected her thoughts about success: “Just when the caterpillar thought the world was ending, he turned into a butterfly.”
• Arthur Rodriguez, a senior at Ann Sobrato High School, reflected on Truman Capote’s quote when thinking of his philosophy for success: “Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor.”
• Jerry Juarez, a senior at Central High School, believes in John Wooden’s philosophy: “Things work out best for those who make the best of how things work out.”
• Ana Barocio, achieving graduation at Community Adult School, likes the philosophy in Winston Churchill’s quote: “If you’re going through hell, keep going.”
