OUR YOUTH OF THE MONTH AWARD recognizes hard-working pre-high school and high school students who attain high levels of scholastic achievement, community involvement and leadership, and daily demonstrate good citizenship both at school and at home.
Students recognized for the month of January were Isabelle (Izzy) Acosta from Sebastian Charter Junior High School, Johnathan Phan from Sebastian River Middle School and Mia Harrell and Zacary Cavill from Sebastian River High School.
Isabelle Acosta handles a rigorous workload of honor courses with ease. Her GPA throughout her middle school years has not swayed from 4.0. She is a student of character, kind, respectful, fair and a good citizen. She is constantly involved in events and has become one of the most dependable students in the school. She has transcended from a classroom leader to a school leader. “Izzy” is an active learner in the classroom, has a strong work ethic and strives to perform well on every work assignment. She shows compassion for others and is always willing to lend a helping hand. She is President of the NJHS, and she won the position by a landslide because she delivered a heartfelt speech with enthusiasm and genuine care and concern for our school and community. She is an outstanding leader and member and achieves greatness in all that she does. She is most deserving of this award. In accepting her certificate she thanked her advisors, parents and friends. Izzy hopes to attend Juilliard and become an actress.
Johnathan Phan is an exemplary student and amazing person. He is a role model to his peers and always kind and helpful. He is hard working and determined, excels in his studies and sets the bar high for his classmates. He is also a great scientist. His project was selected from the school Science Fair Exposition to participate in the Indian River Regional Science & Engineering Fair. Johnathan serves on the student council and is a quiet leader. He is the type of person everyone wants to be around because of his positivity. He is an exemplary role model for other students. In accepting his award Johnathan said that he was honored to receive this recognition.
Mia Harrell is an IB Diploma Candidate with a 4.713 Weighted GPA, and she will be the 2024 class Valedictorian! She is a member of the National Honor Society, Vice President of Senior Class and an AP Scholar and AP National Rural & Small Town Scholar. She is a member of the Chick-Fil-A Leadership Academy, has earned BACE certification (Biotech) and AG Certification in agriculture. She was an FBLA State Qualifier in economics her junior year and serves as Vice President this year. She is also a member of the Environmental Club and Pickle Ball Club. Mia shadowed a Nurse Practitioner at a local Oncology Clinic. Mia has been a Varsity Swimmer for 4 years earning MVP her freshman year; and Unsung Hero her sophomore year. She is also a Blackbelt in Karate and instructs “Little Dragons” (5–6-year-olds). She has played Varsity Lacross for 4 years and was a surf Instructor (2020-2022). Mia does not take her success for granted and is always one to help others. She embodies the IB learner profile traits of communicator, inquirer and caring. She daily demonstrates these characteristics both in the class and outside of the classroom in various leadership roles. In her free time, she likes to go to the beach and gym, listen to music, paint, and spend time with family. In accepting her award thanked our club her advisors, teachers, and parents. She plans to attend FSU and become a doctor and use her knowledge to take away patients’ fears.
Zachary Cavill is an IB Diploma Candidate with a 4.582 Weighted GPA and ranked 13th in his class. He is a member of the National Honor Society and member of the Marching Sharks & Pride of Sebastian River Marching Bands for 4 years, the Sebastian River High School Jazz Band 2021-2024, the Sebastian River High School Steel Band 2020-2021 and 2023-2024, the Sebastian River High School Wind Ensemble 2021-2024, the leadership team of the Sebastian River High School Band 2022-2024 and Drum Major of the Sebastian River High School Band 2023-2024. Zachary volunteers as Junior Councilor of a local science camp for elementary school aged children, is an Elementary School Science Fair Judge, is a Score Keeper and Coaches Assistant for Junior Varsity Baseball at Sebastian River High School. He is an employee of Publix Supermarkets Inc., 2021-Present Day. In his free time he loves to go to the gym and work out, watch and play football and baseball and to play video games and spend time with his friends. He loves rockets and all the science behind them. Zachary is a stellar student that exemplifies the IB learner profile traits of principled, thinker and communicator. He’s seen as a leader amongst both faculty and peers. His peers look to him as a knowledgeable student and he’s always willing to share his historical expertise. In accepting his award he thanked our club, his advisors and teachers and parents for everything they’ve done. He plans to attend UCF and study in the Mechanical Engineering Honors Program.
Margie Duffell