Karen Valenzuela, a Mae Hensley Junior High School eighth-grader was honored Friday, Nov. 7 as a Rotary Student of the Month. The recognition came at the Rotary Club’s meeting at the Ceres Community Center.

The school educators and staff say that Karen is a true embodiment of the school’s core values: respect, responsibility and integrity. She consistently puts forth the best version of herself, maintaining a strong sense of kindness and always willing to lend a helping hand to those around her.

Academically, Karen has earned a 3.8 GPA while successfully challenging herself with several honors courses and advanced electives throughout junior high. This success is a testament to her deep commitment to learning and growth. 

Beyond the classroom, Karen is a dedicated member of the Student Leadership class and takes her role seriously in creating a positive campus culture and organizing engaging events for students. Her genuine enthusiasm and positive attitude are infectious, making her a true role model. Karen’s kindness extends to every corner of the campus and staff members universally praise her maturity, dedication, and polite demeanor, noting that she brightens their day with every interaction.

Her commitment extends to the advanced team and the CJSF club, all while maintaining a consistently positive attitude and spirit. Karen’s willingness to serve and uplift others makes her an invaluable member of the school community.