Grand County Middle School’s Students of the Month for May are seventh-grader Leslie Valencia and eighth-grader Maggie Groene.
Leslie is the daughter of Victoriano Valencia and Mary Garcia. Her teachers said Leslie has many qualities.
“She always shows up for class with a warm smile and ready to do her work,” her teachers said. “She is focused and attentive; she doesn’t need reminders and she is always willing to participate.”
Her teachers said Leslie usually takes the initiative to help organize the classroom and offers to help when she sees a need.
“She treats her classmates with kindness and sets a good example for others,” her teachers said. “Leslie is a pleasure to have in our classroom.”
Leslie said she loves gymnastics and said her favorite classes “are all of my classes.” She said she draws all the time and enjoys it.
“My favorite place to visit is the beach,” she said. “One of the best times and favorite times is when my teachers taught me to speak English. Another favorite time was going to the Golden Gate Bridge in California.”
Leslie’s advice to others is, “I think that all students should be good and respectful to everyone. They should always try something new and try to do their best, even if they don’t know how. You can always ask for help.”
Maggie is the daughter of Scott Groene and Christy Calvin.
Her teachers said she is young lady who has done a phenomenal job in every class.
“Each hour of every day she gives her best effort in all she does,” her teachers said. “She is extremely reliable and hardworking. Maggie participates in her classes, setting an example for all other students.”
Her teachers said Maggie’s leadership is greatly appreciated.
“She has a subtle sense of humor, which we all enjoy,” Maggie’s teachers said. “She also participates in extracurricular activities. Maggie was a strong anchor on the quiz bowl team this year. She is very humble, never asking for attention.”
Maggie said she has traveled a lot and has been to Kenya, Tanzania, Thailand and Cambodia.
“My favorite season is spring,” she said. “I love playing basketball and soccer, and am really, really, really, really bad at golf. I have a very dumb kitten and I have a really smart sister in seventh grade.”
Maggie’s advice to others is, “Just try!”
