Photo Provided By: Deer Park Rotary Club
The high school students pictured left to right are: Caleb Grella at Deer Park, Hayley McDonald at Riverside, and Emanuel Maia, exchange student at Mary Walker.

The Deer Park Rotary Club members picked three students for February’s Student of the Month.

Mary Walker Superintendent Todd Spear introduced Student of the Month Emanuel Maia, an exchange student from Brazil, along with Emanuel’s host mother, Raina Peone.  Raina came to the podium to share a history of her involvement in the exchange program, now in the second generation. Emanuel told us of some of his “loves.”  He loves and wants to play basketball in the US; he loves enchiladas, especially the ones Raina makes; he loves playing video games, kayaking, and being with friends.  Emanuel holds a 3.9 GPA and would like to attend the University of Arizona and study Astronomy.  He said one of the biggest challenges he has is the language difference.  However, he speaks very good English as his second language.

Principal Clint Hull introduced Riverside’s student of the month Hayley McDonald.  Hayley and her three siblings came to the Riverside School District from Texas.  She thinks it is an advantage to be in a very rural area.  She is ASB Executive Secretary, Honor Society member, and part of the local 4H club.  She is very involved with Student Government and attended the “Know Your Government Conference.”  Hayley plays soccer and indoor soccer and feels sad this will be her final year of school sports.  She was also very proud and happy that her grandmother taught her knitting.  Hayley holds a 3.9 GPA and plans on attending Whitworth University and studying Sports Psychology.  She said she is “getting prepared for adult life.”

Principal Joe Feist introduced Caleb Grella, Deer Park High School Student of the Month, saying, “If you want something done, ask the busiest person you know, and this would be Caleb.”  Since he was four years old, Caleb has been actively involved with the community.  His sports include baseball, football, and track and field.  He also works at the Deer Park Golf Course and has volunteered at the Cop Shop for several years.  He is very involved with social activities at school, is Senior Class Secretary, and has strong time management skills.  He got more involved with physical fitness through the time of COVID and loves gym class and snowboarding.  He would like a future in real estate and wants to attend the Champion School of Real Estate in Texas.

What is the Deer Park Rotary Club?
The Rotary Club of Deer Park is about serving others, building relationships, and developing the next generation of leaders. Its annual fundraising events provide scholarships and educational activities for local students. Every month they select and honor outstanding high school students within our community. Their programs are not just for club members! For more information or to learn how you can make a difference in your community through Rotary, visit: DeerParkRotary.com