Two local students were honored as standouts at Friday’s Ceres Rotary Club meeting at the Ceres Community Center.
The two selected as “Rotary Student of the Month” were Ceres High School senior Miranda Zepeda and Leaps and Bounds Adult Transition student Zury Garcia.
The Leaps and Bounds program nominated Adult Transition student Zury Garcia as a Rotary Student of the Month. Garcia has been described as a joyful and dedicated student who consistently demonstrates a positive attitude and a strong work ethic. She is respectful, responsible and always shows initiative in all her undertakings. She was honored as a friendly leader who supports and models excellence for her peers in the classroom. She is also a valuable asset to the school’s micro-business program, especially at the coffee bar where she has perfected making Frappuccinos with care and professionalism.
Beyond the classroom, Zury gives back to the community by volunteering at Rico’s Pizza and the cafeterias at Ceres High School and Central Valley High School. Her commitment, leadership, and kindness make her a true role model.
CUSD’s Leaps & Bounds Adult Transition Program is a special education transition program for young adults (typically ages 18–22) who have disabilities and have finished high school but still need support building independence and job skills.
Miranda Zepeda honored
Ceres High School senior was also tapped for the Rotary Student of the Month honor. Miranda has been designated the salutatorian of the Class of 2026, with an incredible 4.447 grade point average (GPA.)
Throughout her four years at Ceres High, Miranda has played an impactful role in the campus leadership programs. As president of the Future Latino Leaders club, she didn’t just lead meetings; she took action, coordinating with local shelters to provide hygiene kits for those in our community experiencing homelessness. She has also served as the secretary for the Asian American Pacific Islander Club, the Class of 2026, and has been a dedicated member of the Interact Club.
However, what makes Miranda’s story truly powerful is her resilience. For years, Miranda has faced health challenges due to a blood condition which meant monthly doctor visits and multiple hospitalizations that frequently pulled her from the classroom. Most students would find it impossible to keep up under those circumstances but Zepeda focused on completing college coursework from her hospital bed. She has never asked for excuses, only for the opportunity to succeed.
She plans to take her experiences into the medical field to become a physician. Based on the grit displayed at Ceres High, officials believe she will be a doctor who leads with both skill and empathy.
