Student of the Month – March 2017

Winner: Marina from Kazakhstan, living in South Dakota

In the words of her Local Coordinator: “Marina has taken West Central High School and the community of Harrisburg by storm.” She was awarded Most Spirited Student at school and she certainly lives up to that title by getting involved with as many things as she can at school and in the community.

Marina is an excellent student and has maintained straight A’s all year. She is on the cheerleading and dance team, does gymnastics, and helps manage the track team. She was also in her school’s spring musical, Godspell.  Marina had the opportunity to meet with Sioux Falls mayor, Mike Huether, and talk to him about her experience as an international student.

Marina has enjoyed preparing traditional foods such as Borscht, a soup, and Blini, Russian pancakes. She helped organize the International Dinner where exchange students, host families, and friends got together to share food from their home countries.  Above, she is pictured with her wonderful host parents. Thanks for all of your hard work, Marina; you have truly been a great ambassador for your country!

Runner-Up: Anna from Ukraine, living in Minnesota

Anna’s passion for exploring new cultures has led her to explore everything the U.S. has to offer during her time here. She has discovered an interest in Native American culture and has traveled to Minnesota and South Dakota to learn about Native American history and culture. She has gotten involved with the Future Farmers of America (FFA), selling fruit in the community. Anna also volunteered to serve food at a homeless shelter and participates in a neighborhood board game and activity club. In school she has earned all A’s, is active in the prom decoration committee, and is the first ACES student to ever join a trap shooting team. Keep up the good work, Anna; ACES admires your curiosity and willingness to try new things!