Melinda Phipps, a part-time teacher at Centennial High School, was designated by our club as Teacher of the Month for January. During a presentation at our Jan. 30 Rotary meeting at Centennial High, the person who nominated Melinda spoke glowingly about Melinda's contributions to the staff and the students. She described Melinda as “a part-time teacher who has a full-time impact on students.” Students and staff attending the presentation were nodding in agreement and gave Melinda a hearty round of applause.

Fernando “Fernie” Gonzales was named Student of the Month for January. A student at Centennial High School, Fernie was overcome with emotion as a school counselor called him a peer leader and “sunshine in human form." During his acceptance speech, Fernie spoke with humility and from the heart as he wiped away a few tears. Fernie related that his motto is to “give more than he gets.” Fernie plans to attend Front Range Community College in the fall. 

Congratulations to these two outstanding and deserving individuals.