The Exchange Club of Sebastian proudly acknowledges the recipients of their February Youth of the Month awards. Each month, they honor diligent pre-high and high school students who excel academically, engage actively in their communities, demonstrate leadership qualities, and consistently exhibit good citizenship in school and home environments.

February’s honorees include Wyatt Walker from Sebastian Charter Junior High School, Janine Castro Ramos from Sebastian River Middle School, Gabriel Escamilla from Storm Grove Middle School, and Stefani Sanchez and Jake Rincon from Sebastian River High School.

Wyatt Walker – Sebastian Charter Junior High School

Wyatt Walker stands out as a prominent leader in his class, frequently motivating his peers to complete their tasks and demonstrating strength and confidence when working within a group. He actively watches out for his classmates and readily assists those in need. His demeanor is marked by respect, kindness, and a strong sense of fairness. With a natural curiosity and a profound thirst for knowledge, Wyatt consistently strives to elevate his learning experiences. Diligent and respectful, he assumes a leadership role among his peers. Wyatt consistently arrives prepared for class, engages actively in discussions, and collaborates effectively with others.

His delightful sense of humor makes working with him a joy, as he constantly seeks to learn and understand. Wyatt sets his sights on excellence in all endeavors, whether in the classroom or on the court, where he assumes a leadership role among his teammates. His dedication inspires those around him and fosters their enthusiasm. Possessing a formidable work ethic and unwavering determination, Wyatt embodies the essence of character. It’s no surprise he receives this honor with ease. With a promising future ahead, Wyatt graciously thanked the Exchange Club, his parents, and teachers, acknowledging their role in shaping him, stating, “This is an honor.”

Janine Castro Ramos – Sebastian River Middle School

Janine Castro Ramos exemplifies extraordinary dedication and diligence in her studies. She is a shining example of academic excellence and compassion within and beyond the classroom. Janine’s maturity, exemplary behavior, and exceptional cooperation distinguish her from her peers. She embodies the IB Learning Profile Traits, demonstrating knowledge, moral conduct, balance, and care. Janine’s commitment to her education is evident through her consistent presence on the A Honor Roll and her top performance in class, maintaining an impressive 4.5 weighted GPA.

She is a Yearbook Club & Future Business Leaders of America member and spends her spare time volunteering. Not only is Janine an excellent example of a dedicated academic student, but she also portrays the qualities of being a wonderful classmate.

Janine demonstrates a proactive approach by advocating for herself and seeking clarification or support when required. She embodies the essential qualities for triumph in academic endeavors and life pursuits. With her determination, integrity, and self-assurance, Janine possesses the potential to pursue any path she desires. Her innate drive and self-motivation consistently lead her to surpass expectations in all her endeavors.

She eloquently participates in class discussions. How Janine has achieved this high-caliber academic performance is a true testament to her willpower, perseverance, and work ethic. She seamlessly navigates all her responsibilities and will undoubtedly find success wherever her journey takes her.

Gabriel Escamilla – Storm Grove Middle School

Gabriel Escamilla will enter high school with two credits already under his belt. He excels in advanced-level courses with consistent A’s and B’s and showcases academic prowess and dedication. Active in extracurricular activities, Gabriel contributes his talents to the SGMS Cross Country Team, where he achieved a commendable 6th place at the District Championships. Additionally, he participates in the Jazz band and enjoys practicing Karate at the Vero Beach Karate Association.

Beyond his achievements, Gabriel’s character shines brightly. He is known for his amiable nature and willingness to lend a helping hand, which is why peers and faculty admire him. Demonstrating exemplary leadership qualities, Gabriel collaborates seamlessly with others, both in and out of the classroom, consistently exceeding expectations. His penchant for thinking innovatively and posing thought-provoking questions showcases his dedication to intellectual growth, setting him apart as a true role model.

In Language Arts class, Gabriel is responsible for sharing daily quotes with the class and offering insightful interpretations. His words have become a source of inspiration, symbolic of his natural leadership and positive influence. As Gabriel accepts his award, he expresses gratitude to his school, the Exchange Club, and his coach, acknowledging their pivotal roles in shaping his character and achievements. With boundless potential, Gabriel’s future high school and beyond successes are eagerly anticipated, serving as a beacon of hope for today’s youth.

Stefani Sanchez – Sebastian River High School

Stefani Sanchez is an IB Diploma Candidate boasting a remarkable 4.594 weighted GPA, securing her position as 10th in her class. Renowned for her exceptional writing skills, Stefani adeptly navigates the realms of interpretation and analysis, contributing profound insights to class discussions. Her demeanor exudes grace and dignity, reflecting her commendable character.

Engaging in a multitude of extracurricular activities, Stefani’s involvement extends far beyond the academic realm. She is a member of the National Honor Society and holder of Digital Information Technology certification, demonstrating a commitment to excellence. Additionally, Stefani’s participation in Masterminds and the Varsity Tennis team showcases her diverse interests and talents. Passionate about sharing her expertise, she offers tennis lessons to beginners, serves as a Peer-to-Peer Tutor for Fellsmere Elementary, and provides math assistance to middle school students.

Her dedication to community service is equally impressive. She played a pivotal role in organizing handicapped parking for the Fellsmere Frog Leg Festival and facilitated the distribution of laptops to middle school students. Furthermore, her volunteer work with an organization that fosters cats underscores her compassion and generosity.

Stefani finds solace in the pages of books and musical melodies in her leisure time. As she graciously accepts her award, she expresses heartfelt gratitude to the Exchange Club, her supportive parents, and her esteemed teachers, recognizing their invaluable contributions to her journey.

Jake Rincon – Sebastian River High School

Jake Rincon, an IB Diploma Candidate, boasts an impressive 4.569 weighted GPA, securing his place as 15th in his class. Jake is actively engaged in various clubs, including the National Honor Society, FBLA, and Excel Clubs, demonstrating a commitment to academic excellence and leadership.

He exemplifies a spirit of service and support for others by contributing to the community through Peer-to-Peer Tutoring at Fellsmere Elementary. Additionally, he showcases his athletic prowess as a member of the Inaugural Pickleball Club and the Crew Team, where his leadership as Captain since 2021 has led the team to victory as State Champions in 2022 and 2023.

Driven by his passion for culinary arts, Jake is enrolled in the culinary program and gains practical experience through employment at Ocean Grill and Service One Cleaning. Expressing gratitude upon receiving his award, Jake extends heartfelt thanks to the Exchange Club for the opportunity, his unwaveringly supportive family, and his dedicated teachers. With ambitious plans to attend the FSU Honors Program and pursue a major in meteorology, Jake’s future shines bright with promise and potential.

Exchange Club of Sebastian

In addition to its renowned Student of the Month program, the Exchange Club of Sebastian actively participates in various local community initiatives. Guided by their pillars of service—Prevention of Child Abuse, Youth Activities, Americanism, and Community Service—the club is deeply committed to positively impacting the community.

One of their major annual events, The Sebastian Exchange Foundation’s Blue Water Open Charity Offshore Fishing Tournament, is scheduled for May 31 to June 1. This fundraiser has been a cornerstone for the club over the past three decades, raising over $1,000,000, which has been reinvested into the community to support various causes.

Those who share these interests are cordially invited to attend a Sebastian Exchange Club luncheon meeting held at noon at Capt Hirams’ Resort every Wednesday, excluding the first Wednesday of each month. For more details regarding the Blue Water Open event, please visit www.bluewateropen.com.