The Rotary Club of Ceres recognized Central Valley High School senior Maria Garibay Acevedo as its “Student of the Month” during Friday’s meeting. 

Maria’s journey is one of resilience, compassion, and ambition. When she first arrived at Central Valley from Mexico, she experienced a number of challenges as an immigrant. Her experience shaped her commitment to helping others, inspiring her to ensure that new students feel welcomed, included and supported. Garibay strives to make others feel confident in their new environment and know they belong, both academically and personally.

Maria is actively involved in her church, where she volunteered by reading prayers and assisting with various activities. She also has a strong passion for volleyball, which instilled in her the values of teamwork, dedication and staying connected to her community.

After graduation, Garibay plans to attend college while working with aspirations of pursuing a career as a flight attendant. Earning a college degree is also one of her goals while exploring her area of study. Additionally, she is passionate about improving her English, recognizing that fluency in two languages will open many doors for her future.

Garibay’s dedication, perseverance and caring nature make her an outstanding recipient of the Rotary Student of the Month award. She is a role model for her peers and a testament to the power of hard work and determination