Aaron Rose introduced the Students of the Month.

(1) The Performing Arts Student of the Month is Talitha Barkow (age 17). Her parents are Mary and Joel Barkow. She attended elementary school at Holly Avenue and middle school at First Avenue. She is a member of the French honor society, attending French club every Monday.

Talitha has served as President of the Arcadia High School theater department. Having been involved in theater since her freshman year, she is currently in her second year of advanced drama. Last November, she played the role of Alice in Alice in Wonderland.

Talitha has won several awards at the Drama Teachers Association of Southern California
competition and Cal State Theater Festival. She has also received awards at Arcadia High School for Best Actress and Outstanding Theater Festival participant.

Having been in Girl Scouts for the past 12 years, Talitha is now an Ambassador Scout. She has organized a food drive and a book drive for a home for abused girls. She has also served meals at the homeless shelter and has helped with multiple beach clean-ups. She has earned bronze and silver community service awards.

(2) The Academic Student of the Month is Kimberly Kodama (age 17). Her parents are James and Lon Kodama. She attended elementary school at Holly Avenue and Hugo Reid, and middle school at Foothill Middle School.

Kimberly’s school activities include Allied Club, GWA Club, Orchestra 1 and 3, and Varsity Basketball. Her community activities include First Lego League (as participant and later as coach), First Tech Challenge (as participant), Homeless to Forever Foundation (as volunter). Religious activities include Vacation Bible Camp (as tent leader), CYOA summer science class (as teacher). She also packed backpacks for Don Julian Elementary School. Hobbies and recreation activities include such musical activities as piano, cello, bass, and ukelele. She also likes puzzles (math and jigsaw). She has also tutored middle and high school students in math and other subjects.

As to future plans, Kimberly hopes to attend Harvey Mudd College, majoring in engineering, with the goal of becoming a mechanical engineer.