Kiwanis Club Terrific Kids

On Thursday, January 16th Kiwanis Club of Marco Island hosted Terrific Kids from the 4th Grade at Manatee Elementary School. Five exceptional students, who represent the tenants of Terrific Kids and their families were welcomed to our breakfast meeting at Ori's Bakery.  

Ximena Rodriguez, according to her teacher Ms. Pakalnis, relishes all opportunities to absorb as much knowledge as she can. Ximena likes to paint, draw, and ride her bike to the library and to the park. For her superpower, she would like to be able to travel from place to place instantly. She would like to visit New York City to see the Statue of Liberty, a symbol of the United States. When she grows up, Ximena would liketo be a preschool or elementary teacher. 

According to his teacher, Ms. Ramirez, Luis Sotelo Avila exemplifies the qualities of a true leader both in and out of the classroom. Outside of school, Luis likes to read, play, and spend time with his family. When asked what superpower he would like, Luis said that he would choose to be smart so that he could pass his assignment and grades. He would like to visit Cuba where his grandparents live. Luis wants to become a doctor to help save lives.  

Ethan Garcia's teacher, Ms. Thompson,  said that Ethan tackles challenges with a positive, can-do attitude. Outside of school, Ethan likes to play soccer and football. His superpower of choice would be to fly. He would like to visit Madrid because that is the location of his favorite soccer team. When he grows up, Ethan wants to be a crane operator, so that he can work with his Dad.  

According to her teacher, Mrs. Redick, Alexa Herrera is truly an exceptional student who continuously demonstrates leadership qualities. She is kind and compassionate and loves to help other students in her classroom. Alexa likes to play creative games, read, and use her iPad. She would like to be invisible for her superpower.  If she could go anywhere in the world, she would like to go to Hawaii because she has heard so many good things about it. Alexa hopes to become a vet when she grows up.  

According to her teacher, Ximena Benitez is a responsible and kind student. She has a positive attitude and grit. Ximena loves to play with her family. She would like to be invisible. She would like to visit Texas because her cousins live there, and she can play tag with them. When she grows up, Ximena wants to become a vet so that she can help animals.  

Terrific Kids is one of the key programs of the Kiwanis Club of Marco Island, recognizing and honoring kids from grades three through five who demonstrate the qualities that will make them outstanding adults. We congratulate our Terrific Kids and their families and wish them a very successful life.  

If you would like to join our club, whose mission is to make the world a better place, one child and one community at a time, please contact Secretary Cindy Crane at lucindaed@aol.com or visit our Website at www.marcokiwanis.com.