The Rotary Club of Ceres at its Friday lunch meeting recognized Central Valley High School senior Mariana Campos and Whitmore Charter High School senior Somil Bansal individually as a Rotary’s “Student of the Month.” 

Mariana Campos was selected for her exceptional academic achievements, artistic talent and dedication to service.

Ranked academically third in her class of 511 students, Mariana has taken on a rigorous course load all four years of high school, consistently challenging herself with Advance Placement (AP) and advanced classes.

Aside from academics, Campos is deeply involved in her school community and serves as the fundraiser advisor for the AP Spanish Literature Club, is secretary for the National Honor Society, and is an active member of the Environmental Club, Sending Sunshine Club, the school marching band, and the jazz band. She is also training for her first full marathon set for March, running as a member of Teens Run Modesto.

Mariana will be attending Cal State Stanislaus in the fall to pursue a degree in piano performance. Her passion for the piano began in third grade, and she has since been inspired by the range of sounds this dynamic instrument can produce. Mariana dreams of performing in symphonies and becoming a music teacher for underprivileged children. Understanding the financial challenges that come with learning the piano, Mariana hopes to make music education more accessible for those with limited resources.

Somil Bansal

Whitmore Charter High School’s Somil Bansal is an outstanding, straight A-student known for asking thought provoking questions that spark rich classroom discussions. He is naturally curious about the world, and is always looking for opportunities to learn.

Bansal is an active member of WCHS’s leadership class, the current Interact Club president and is involved in PHAST. School officials say he is always willing to help and taking on any task with his trademark smile. Somil hasn’t finalized college plans, but wants to go into the medical field.