The Rotary network maintains over 350,000 clubs across the nation and is dedicated to bettering the world at its core, through its promotion of peace, support for education, and “advance[ing] world understanding, goodwill, and peace through our fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.”

Each month, every department at Mountain Ridge has the chance to send in an email nominating one upper-classman they believe deserves to be recognized for their character and academic achievements.

On the fourth of December, the Peoria North Rotary Club (PNRC) honored 3 exceptional senior nominees from Ridge who earned Rotary Student of the Month: Jordan Kress, Jaiden Singh, and Sabreena White.

Along with the many accolades that come with being selected, the PNRC donated wheelchairs in each of their names to “The Wheelchair Foundation” for someone in need.

“I realized it was truly impactful, not only to me, but also to the community,” said Jaiden Singh, nominee.

September:

Jordan Kress was nominated by Alexis LaDuca: the co-department chair for the English Language Arts Department and an English teacher at Ridge for the past 23 years.

Kress is a student and athlete, both of which are important aspects of her life; nonetheless she was pleasantly surprised with her nomination.

“The fact that I got recognized for something other than athletics means a great deal to me,” says Kress.

She wasn’t just recognized for her academic ability. Kress is also a leader for her varsity volleyball and basketball team here on campus.

“I selected Jordan because she truly is a scholar athlete and is able to balance her responsibilities effectively,” says LaDuca.

Her nomination was more than well deserved because she strives to be the best in every aspect of high school. Jordan has served as a Freshman Mentor, Peer Facilitator and has been a part of the Superintendent’s Advisory Council, Principal’s Advisory Council, and Athletic Management. Her achievements are a mile wide, and it’s not something you see happen for the average student.

“She has had to learn to balance academics and athletics and has done so with grace, passion, and the strength to ask for help when it is needed,” says LaDuca. “Being a successful and well balanced athlete is already a challenge.”

October:

Jaiden Singh was nominated by Leslie Schramm, biology teacher and dept. chair of the Science Department here at Ridge.

“I seek nominees from my upper-classmen teachers and this year, and this was a first, Jaiden was the unanimous nominee! So no debating had to occur!” she says.

Science plays a large role in Singh’s life, which makes his nomination resonate close to the heart.

“As long as I can remember, science has had a special place in my heart. I love exploring and understanding how the world works around us on all levels,” he says.

Not only does Jaiden excel in academics, but he is very active in on-campus extracurriculars. He has been a member of the National Honors Society, Mentor group, Council of AP Students, Interact club, and is President of the new Active Minds club on campus.

Singh is also the drum major for the state champion Pride of the West marching band, where he is a leader for his peers.

“It has impacted me immensely when it comes to working with both my peers and my teachers to achieve a common goal,” says Singh.

Students like Jaiden don’t come around every day. He has a willingness to take life’s opportunities which has taken him far in his high school career and allowed him to be the best student he can be.

“Through hard work and dedication, I have found myself in a position where I enjoy and embrace learning, especially from the amazing teachers that I’ve been so lucky to have,” he says.

November:

Sabreena White was nominated by Kelly Kress, who leads the Student Support Services department in providing a meaningful education to the students on campus who live with disabilities.

Ms. Kress has known White for all four years of her high school career, and is proud of the hard work and many accomplishments that White has made through the time that they’ve known each other.

“She’s an amazing kid,” says Kress. “She strives to do her best every day in the classroom and she always makes everyone feel welcome. She works hard, she wants to do her best, and she is here to learn and be the best person she can be.”

White doesn’t only excel in the classroom, as she has developed an overwhelming commitment to the theatre department through both her acting and love for set design

“I’m planning on going to NAU to study drama and hopefully become a drama teacher,” she says.

Come the end of the school year, these seniors will be on their way to bigger things, but each  department wishes them the best.

To Sabreena:

“She’s got huge potential I think to ultimately make this world a better place with her kind heart and her compassion.” – Ms. Kress .

To Jaiden:

“I can honestly say that I have never had the privilege of having such a mature and caring student, who is willing to work for what he believes is important to assist in the betterment of humanity coupled with sheer brilliance and academic promise.” Mrs. Schramm.

To Jordan:

“From the day she stepped foot onto campus to today, as she begins her monumental senior year, Jordan embodies all that Mountain Ridge holds closely: merit, honor, respect, and success… but what’s more important is Jordan is a good person. She is authentic to who she is.” – Ms. LaDuca.

Congratulations to these amazing students, and the bright futures they have ahead of them.