Photo provided by Deer Park Rotary Club.

Publishers Note: Due to a district-wide period of mourning, the Riverside student of the month will be announced in November.

Mary Walker School District
Macey Gaines, Mary Walker September student of the month was introduced by the school’s counselor, Emily Spencer. Macey began her presentation with the thought, “when a dream with a date becomes a goal, a goal becomes a plan and a plan backed by action makes your dreams come true.” Macey, a 4.0 GPA student attributes her success to her adviser – her dad, who was present for this recognition. Her favorite classes are Metals, Statistics, and she loves Math. Macey is a four-year letter Volleyball star and is team captain of her volleyball team. She received the first ever State Volleyball Championship Citizen Award in the area. She is also active in Track and Field and a true leader as Senior Class President. In addition to school, she is involved with 4H, assists those new to 4H, and plays classical piano. She volunteers with the Tree of Sharing during the holiday season and gives back to the youth in her community. Macey wants to attend a four-year university to study accounting with the goal as a fully certified CPA. Macey has applied to the University of North Dakota, Texas Tech, and Texas A&M.

Deer Park School District
Principal Joe Feist introduced Grace Martinson, September student of the month from Deer Park High School. He said she comes from a long line of Martinson’s at Deer Park High School. She is a true leader, values our school immensely and if he owned a business, she would be the first one chosen to represent it! Present to share in this recognition were her parents, sister, and nephew. Grace has been involved in DECA and took part in a DECA competition on an International Level. She has created signs through DECA and one of her signs is located at the entrance to Deer Park. She is a member of Link Crew and helps welcome the incoming freshmen to the high school. She said “our school spirit is awesome!” Grace is chair of the Thanksgiving Food Drive from DPHS benefiting the Greenhouse Food Bank in Deer Park. She plays soccer year-round for Deer Park High School and other local teams. Her favorite subjects are Political Science and Advanced Engineering. She is working to become a licensed pilot and would like to be a commercial pilot after attending college for four years.