Terrific Kids from Manatee Elementary

Kiwanis Club of Marco Island recently held a breakfast meeting at Ori's Bakery, where they honored Terrific Kids from the third grade at Manatee Elementary School. Five Terrific Kids and their families, along with teachers Ms. Boreham, Ms. D'Agostino, Principal Dr. Mearsheimer, and School Councilor Kerri Pakalnis were in attendance.

Kimberly Zuniga, according to her teacher, Ms. Curry, is such a kind and respectful student. She shows leadership in class by being a role model. She is such a hard worker, a friend to everyone, and is truly a joy to have in class. Kimberly has a brother and a sister as well as two dogs named Luna and Frankie. Outside of school, Kimberly likes to play soccer with her team and she loves banana splits. If she could have any superpower, it would be speed so that she could help save people and explore the world easily. She would love to travel to New York to see the Statue of Liberty. When she grows up, Kimberly would like to be a professional soccer player.

Benjamin Guerrero, according to his teacher, Georgia Roberts, is an exemplary student who works hard every day. He is a responsible student who is willing to help others with their practice. He comes to school with a positive attitude, ready to learn and reach his goals. He always strives to do his very best. Benjamin has a little brother and sister. Outside of school, he likes to play soccer. His superpower of choice would be fire, so that he could cook food if the power went out. If he could go anywhere in the world, he would go to Georgia. When he grows up, Benjamin wants to be a veterinarian.

According to Ms. D'Agostino, Katherine Estrada is a true leader who is loved and respected by her peers and teachers. She is well-balanced and knows how to quickly adjust to various situations. Katherine is a conscientious student who always fulfills her responsibilities. She has a sister and a little brother. Outside of school, she likes to ride her bike, swim in the pool, and play Roblox with her friends. She would like to have the superpower to appear and disappear whenever she wants. She would love to travel to Europe and visit the Eiffel Tower. When she grows up, Katherine wants to be a medical doctor.

Thiago Ascencio, according to his teacher, Gabriela Morales, is a student who always goes above and beyond without being asked. He is sweet, respectful, responsible, and an organized leader. Thiago's Dad is a cook and his Mom used to be a dentist. He has a little sister and two fish that he feeds tropical flakes. Outside of school, Thiago helps his mom and dad and likes to spend time with his friends. He would choose the superpower of super strength, so that he could lift things to help people. When asked if he could go anywhere in the world, he stated that he would still like to stay in Florida. When he grows up, Thiago wants to become a mechanic.

Jaylynn Bazile, according to her teacher, Ms. Boreham, is an exemplary leader at Manatee. She is kind, respectful, responsible, and always willing to help those around her. Jaylynn has four siblings, a mom, and a stepdad. Her older sister was also a Terrific Kid. Outside of school, Jaylynn likes to play with her friends. Her superpower of choice would be teleportation so that she could save people. She would love to travel to New York to see the Statue of Liberty. When she grows up, she wants to become a doctor and a hairstylist.

Sincere congratulations go to these Terrific Kids, their Terrific families, and the Terrific teachers, school counselors, and principal who help shape them into future leaders.

At the meeting, Kiwans was pleased to also recognize Aubrey Guidry, president, and Annie Guidry, secretary of Marco Island Academy Key Club, who gave an update on all the impressive volunteer work that the Key Club has been doing this year. They just finished the Women's Shelter donation drive, where they collected 224 items. They recently supported the Kiwanis Club Car Show, where they raised $450 through their bake sale. To date, they have a total of 1,482 volunteer hours just in the first quarter of the year, and they have raised $1,749 for the Key Club this year. For upcoming events, the Key Club will volunteer at the Kiwanis 5K Run/Walk on March 28.