Kiwanis recognize all-around students

At the end of this past school year, the Kiwanis of Simi Valley presented the Hope of America award to graduating elementary and middle school students who possess outstanding leadership ability, ethical and moral character, academic achievement, and show promise of future success and service to the community.

The students have demonstrated leadership, dedication, perseverance, loyalty and citizenship consistent with the high ideals of Kiwanis.

The following students, along with their school, received this award: Kara Kenyon of Lincoln, Paolo Recto of Arroyo, Brenn Di Conti of Atherwood, Marielena Salguero of Berylwood, Morgan Bertsch of Big Springs, Leeanna Cordero of Crestview, Nicholas Raigoza of Garden Grove, Kaitlan Kelley of Garden Grove, Sarah Wong of Hollow Hills, Janisha Grove of Justin, Rhiannon Dukel of Katherine, Caroline Moore of Knolls, Tyler Anne Giesseman of Madera, Melissa Sison of Mountain View, Fabiola Lopez of Parkview, Alyssa Cutting of Santa Susana

Sinai Ortiz of Simi, Robert Jacquez of Sycamore, Melissa Gonzalez of Township, Rachael Penchoen-Lind of Vista, Kaila Mattera of White Oak, Olivia Aulicino of Wood Ranch, Kasey Lovett of Hillside, Ashley Cooke of Sinaloa, Isha Patel of Valley View, Marisa Macaya of Grace Brethren Elementary, Chad Woodard of Grace Brethren ninth grade, Tessa Goelz of Good Shepherd, Monique DuBois of Pinecrest, and Johnathon Kowalski of St. Rose of Lima.

Children and youths may join Kiwanis as members of a KKids Club in elementary school, Builders Club in middle school, Key Clubs in high school and Circle K in college.

Upon graduation from high school, all Key Club members automatically become Kiwanis members.