The Exchange Club of Sebastian is delighted to announce their September Students of the Month: Victoria Ruiz of Sebastian Charter Junior High School, Victoria Hall from Storm Grove Middle School, Rylee Collett of Sebastian River Middle School, and Helena Kiernan along with Peyton Dipietro of Sebastian River High School.

The Young Citizenship Award honors one student each month from our local middle and junior high schools who demonstrates good citizenship at school and home. The program was designed to recognize and encourage honest, hardworking, helpful, and fair students. These students cooperate with teachers and parents and help when a job needs to be done. This award provides classroom teachers with an effective tool to further motivate promising students. It also seeks to prove to these students that good citizenship counts and to show them that their conduct and attitude are noticed, appreciated, and rewarded.

Young Citizenship Award Winners for September

Victoria Ruiz

Victoria Ruiz exemplifies true character in every aspect. Not only is she a cherished member of her class, demonstrating kindness and thoughtfulness, but she also thrives in teamwork. Her competitive spirit is evident on the basketball, soccer, and volleyball courts, where she proudly serves as Captain.

Serving as the Executive Committee Secretary for the National Junior Honor Society, Ruiz consistently sets a high standard through her actions. Her dedication shines in both her academic endeavors and athletic pursuits. Those close to her applaud her for being approachable, understanding, and always choosing the righteous path. Above all, she radiates compassion, becoming a cherished friend to all her peers.

Victoria Hall

Victoria Hall is a remarkable student driven by an innate desire to excel in every domain. She showcases meticulous attention to detail and unwavering focus in her studies, becoming a beacon of inspiration for her peers. As a National Junior Honor Society member, Hall has maintained a stellar record of straight A’s since her first grade.

She embraces challenges with unwavering dedication, exuding kindness and setting a commendable standard for others to follow. Her vocal prowess has earned her Excellent and Superior accolades at the Florida Vocal Association Solo and Ensemble Festival, and she was handpicked for the prestigious All-State Choir. Beyond academia and music, Hall expresses her artistry through dance at the Brooke Alise Dance Company and dedicates herself to spiritual service as an altar server at her church.

Rylee Collett

Rylee Collett is a delight both to know and to have in class. She epitomizes respect, possesses unwavering character, and serves as an exemplary figure for her classmates. A multifaceted student and athlete, Collett places a high premium on her education, actively engaging in class discussions, aiding her peers, and channeling that same dedication onto the field.

She navigates gracefully between her demanding extracurricular commitments and an intense academic schedule. Collett embodies all the attributes of the IB Learner Profile, with a marked daily commitment to conscientiousness. She seamlessly steps up in group settings, steering her team toward success and fostering a collaborative spirit. On solo tasks, she remains laser-focused, delivering work that often surpasses the standards of even the most advanced students. Above all, Collett’s presence is like a ray of sunshine, illuminating the day for all around her.

Youth of the Month Award

The Youth of the Month Award celebrates two seniors from Sebastian River High School who showcase exceptional academic accomplishments, community engagement, and leadership skills. These students consistently exemplify commendable citizenship in their school environment and personal lives. This established program not only commends distinguished young individuals but also serves as motivation for their peers to reach similar heights of excellence. Recipients of this award are eligible to contend for the Youth of the Year accolade at both the Exchange Club District and National stages.

Youth of the Month Award Winners for September

Helena Kiernan

Helena Kiernan stands out as an IB Diploma Candidate, boasting an impressive weighted GPA of 4.548 and holding the 12th rank in her class. She’s a member of the National Honor Society and the President of the GSA (Gay and Straight Alliance). Recognized as an AP Scholar, she’s been honored with the College Board National Rural & Small-Town Recognition Award.

Beyond her academic accomplishments, Kiernan dedicates her time to working and volunteering as an instructor at the Vero Beach Karate Association. Her innate knack for literary analysis often leads her to share uniquely brilliant and perceptive insights, enriching class discussions with depth and intriguing perspectives. Upon receiving her award, she expressed gratitude to her parents for always urging her “to be my best” and her teachers for their constant support. With a bright future ahead, Kiernan aspires to join the University of Florida, aiming for a degree in mathematics.

Payton Dipietro

Payton Dipietro is an IB Diploma Candidate with a 4.61 weighted GPA and is ranked 2nd in his Class. He is a member of the National Honor Society, an AP Scholar, and an Interact Club member. Dipietro is a mentor in the Peer-to-Peer program at Fellsmere Elementary.

He has been Captain of the SRHS Cross Country team for four years and a Track Team Varsity member for four years. His intellect and wonderful sense of humor add so much to class discussions, and his vast knowledge of history always provides excellent points. While accepting his award, he thanked his family and the SRHS staff for being supportive and instrumental. He plans to continue his study in biotechnology upon graduation.

Exchange Club of Sebastian

The Exchange Club of Sebastian participates in many local community activities in addition to the Student of the Month program. Their pillars of service are the Prevention of Child Abuse, Youth Activities, Americanism, and Community Service. Their major annual fundraiser, The Sebastian Exchange Foundation’s Blue Water Open Charity Offshore Fishing Tournament, will occur May 31 – June 1, 2024.

Over the last 30 years, this event has raised over $1,000,000, which has been poured back into the community. Should you share these interests, you are welcome to attend a Sebastian Exchange Club luncheon meeting at noon at Capt. Hiram’s Resort on any Wednesday except the first Wednesday of each month. For more information on the Blue Water Open, go to www.bluewateropen.com.