50 Bikes for 50 Kids 2016 Recipients Picked

BY ABBEY STUMPF, NORTH NATOMAS TMA
FOR THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz

The North Natomas TMA has announced recipients of the 50 Bikes for 50 Kids 2016.

The students selected were nominated by community members based on the following character traits: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship. A volunteer committee read and reviewed many, many nominations to select fifty students who will join volunteers on January 18, 2016, to build their very own, brand-new bicycle.

Meet this year’s bike recipients by reading what makes these kids so special, as told by the adults who nominated them:

Alaiah Alexander
SCHOOL: Natomas Park Elementary
GRADE: 5
Alaiah is a go-getter who helps others without being prodded. She loves people and steps up to volunteer with enthusiasm. Participation in this event would show Alaiah that she is appreciated for her willing spirit and zest for life. She would be able to more easily participate in after school activities and grow into becoming a responsible teenager.

Armando Baltazar
SCHOOL: Natomas Middle School
GRADE: 8
Armando is a very respectful and caring individual when it comes to helping others. He is outgoing and loves to share his things with his peers He helped to direct and build the haunted house during Halloween. Overall, Armando is a good role model with great intentions of leading others.

Britney Bui
SCHOOL: Star Academy
GRADE: 4
Britney is kind and helpful and goes out of her way to assist others. She maintains a positive attitude and wants everyone to succeed. Participating in this event would help her to see that her intrinsic desire to help others is noticed and appreciated.

Adriana Carabez
SCHOOL: Natomas Park Elementary
GRADE: 4
Adriana is always respectful, and caring. She loves doing crafts and will often come to our afterschool program just to help the younger participants with their projects. She is loved by all. She is a hard worker and I know she will love learning this new skill.

Miguel Ceja
SCHOOL: Natomas Middle School
GRADE: 6
Miguel has shown a sincere desire to be responsible and has proven to be trustworthy. He also shows a distinct sense for fairness. I think participating in this event will be very beneficial for Miguel because he will get an opportunity to see that others care about him and want good things to come his way.

Jenna Chambers
SCHOOL:  Inderkum High School
GRADE:  12
Due to the significant growth of our youth volunteer program, we needed additional leadership. Jenna took initiative and helped to direct the high schoolers in areas of need, took time to explain and show middle schoolers how they can help, and offered suggestions to the D1 staff on how to better our events and programs. She loves giving back, helping to make people happy, and being part of a team that makes a difference.

Harmeet Cheema
SCHOOL: Natomas Park Elementary
GRADE: 5
Harmeet always volunteers in my room during lunch recess to help. I never ask, she just does it. Her and her entire family are always helpful to the community. She walks to school every day, it would be nice to see her ride.

Alani Colemenarez
SCHOOL: Natomas Charter School VLA
GRADE: 11
Alani embodies trustworthiness, responsibility, and respect through her everyday mannerisms. She sets an excellent standard for her peers to rise up and meet. When assisting her peers, she is fair and helpful, and generous with her time. She strives for the best in all areas of her educational and social growth, and has used her good citizenship to build the cohesion and sense of spirit within our school.

Mekhi Darden-Lain
School: Natomas Park Elementary
Grade: 3
Mekhi shows he is respectful and caring towards his teachers, peers, and learning. He always listens well and does his best. I can trust him to always tell the truth. He is a good classroom citizen as well.

Yuvtaj Dhillon
SCHOOL: Heron School
GRADE: 5
Yuvtaj is a student that gives it his all. He is very respectful of his peers and adults. He is very focused in class and always looking for ways to revise his work on his own. I am very proud of him. He is one that would definitely share his successes with other students, and in a way that would encourage them to be good citizens.

Krystina Direnzo
SCHOOL: Natomas Charter School
GRADE: 11
Krystina dedicates herself to her family and her school, riding many miles each day to get to school. Constantly helping to care for her younger siblings, making Krystina the center of attention for once would be wonderful.

Ella P. Eason
SCHOOL: Natomas Middle School
GRADE: 7
Ella is a great help to me in the classroom. She is trustworthy and loyal. When asked to complete a task she is usually one of the first to finish and has demonstrated responsibility by completing her assignments. Ella would not only appreciate a new bike, she will take good care of the gift.

Ryan Galindo
SCHOOL: Natomas Park Elementary
GRADE: 5
Ryan is a quiet and thoughtful young man. He can always be counted on to get his work done on time and help others to get theirs done also. I have learned to count on him to show respect and be a class leader. His quiet manner has a calming effect on some high stressed students. He never asks to be the center of attention and this program would put Ryan in front with others who share the same qualities as he does. I think he would shine from the inside out.

Isabel Gatdula
SCHOOL: Westlake Charter School
GRADE: 8
Recently, we taught Isabel and another youth how to apply for the Global Youth Service Day grant. They won $2000, and decided to turn the money into scholarships for high school seniors and college students in the District One volunteer programs. She is constantly creating new community service projects to benefit various organizations, including a canned food drive, a dog food drive, and more. This would be a great way to show that her continued volunteerism in our community is not only appreciated, but acknowledged and celebrated.

Maya Goodwin
SCHOOL: Star Academy
GRADE: 3
Maya is a strong member of our classroom community. She treats others kindly, works to solve problems on her own, and asks questions to be sure she is doing what is expected of her. Maya is a student who will persevere even when a task is challenging. She works hard to ensure she is meeting classroom expectations. If I ask for students to clean up, she is cleaning up. When challenges are tough she keeps smiling- I love the idea of Maya being rewarded for all that she does to contribute to her own learning and the learning of others.

Joshua Haight
SCHOOL: Natomas Charter
GRADE: 8
Joshua demonstrates a level of maturity that sets an example for his peers. He is extremely creative and sets the bar high for himself at all times. What sets Joshua apart from others is his calm, cool and humble demeanor. He demonstrates respect and responsibility towards himself and others both in and outside of the classroom. He is a team player and follows through with his commitments and is not afraid of rolling up his sleeves to get the job done

Christopher Heitz
SCHOOL: Natomas Middle School
GRADE: 8
Christopher has persevered to become a very good wrestler and runner who is aspiring to be a squad leader. When we have our cardio days Christopher is always one of the first students to finish and lead the pack of runners. His participation in this event would elevate his level of accomplishments in being able to construct a bike and how to maintain one.

Elizabeth Grace Herrera
SCHOOL: Heron School
GRADE: 5
Elizabeth Grace is simply one of the most ethical, sensitive, caring, helpful and thoughtful people you could ever be lucky enough to meet. She is the first to reach out when anyone in our class needs help. She is the type of kid that operates from a place of total selflessness. She reaches out to others when they are alone on the playground, and spends time just making sure that they know how much she cares. She is always there for the underdog and always builds others up when they seem down or sad. Elizabeth is one of those kids who is always thinking about what she can do for children who are less fortunate. She even started a writing program to write letters to soldiers for the holidays. Elizabeth has wings that we cannot see!! She is an angel.

Ethan Ho
SCHOOL: Natomas Charter School PACT
GRADE: 4
Ethan is respectful of adults and fellow students alike. If there is a student in a class who is alone, Ethan is the person who will befriend them so they are no longer alone. He is trustworthy and will do what he says he will do. At the end of the last school year our drama teacher needed last minute help with a play. She called on Ethan (who was not even in the class) to take a part of a student who had dropped. He worked hard and not only performed the role, but performed it well. Ethan is active in the school and volunteers in his community. He is a model citizen.

Kevin Humphrey
SCHOOL: Natomas Charter School VLA
GRADE: 9
Although extremely quiet, Kevin continually helps students feel accepted and welcome. In Biology class, he is open to helping new lab partners and has a positive attitude towards all activities. He is reliable and can be counted on to follow through with anything he promises. He is a hard worker and a kind friend.

Tristen Jenkins
SCHOOL: Natomas Charter School PACT
GRADE: 7
Tristen is an incredibly kind and patient student, friend, and brother. He is the first to volunteer to do the heavy lifting or help a younger student. Tristen often demonstrates excellent citizenship. He is the kid in the lunchroom that makes sure all others are taken care of. Participating in this event will allow him to experience a positive life event that will reinforce the idea that life is good and that good things happen to good people.

Riohn Jones
SCHOOL: Natomas Charter School
GRADE: 8
Riohn is one of the most respectful students in his class. He often thanks his teachers for the lesson taught that day. He is very polite and thoughtful. Riohn demonstrates citizenship by contributing positively to our school environment. He always has a smile on his face. He is friends with everyone and he often asks how he can help. He will be the first to give comfort when a classmate is having a bad day. He will be the first to offer help to someone who is injured or needs help. He will carry a classmate’s backpack if they are on crutches or pick up papers that have fallen out of someone’s backpack.

Rafi Khani
SCHOOL: Natomas Middle School
GRADE: 7
Rafi was the very best teacher assistant I could ever ask for, a real leader. He’s trustworthy, caring and a peacemaker among his peers. Rafi remains positive throughout all situations. Rafi is an excellent citizen who is community-minded and ready to help. He is always respectful and very responsible.

Jasmine Lao
SCHOOL: Natomas Charter School
GRADE: 8
Jasmine shows tremendous caring, responsibility, and consideration of others every day. She stops by to say hello in my classroom (I was her teacher two years ago) and helps look after her little sisters. She shows citizenship by taking home small tasks for me such as stapling together packets and is always trustworthy to bring them back promptly. We are lucky to have this amazing young woman as part of our school community.

Denzaiah Lewis
SCHOOL: Westlake Charter School
GRADE: 3
Denzaiah is one of the hardest working children I have even encountered. Not only is he an incredibly hard worker, but he is a student that is respectful and considerate to everyone. He works hard to make sure everyone is included in all events and that nobody ever feels left out. He inspires those around him to be a good friend because he is a good friend to everyone. He is also someone that helps others. When he knows something and sees another person struggling, he is one to help coach them.

Jaden Lewis
SCHOOL: Heron School
GRADE: 5
Jaden is an outstanding student. He is respectful of his peers and adults. When sharing information in the classroom, he gives credit to his peers when due. He participates in class, and is very sensitive to others’ comments. He knows right from wrong, and shows it. He is proud and confident of himself, and wants others to feel the same way about themselves.

Tyree Loud
SCHOOL: Heron School
GRADE: 5
Tyree is a dedicated and hardworking student. He shows responsibility by respectfully doing his work in class each day and by getting himself to school ready to work each morning. Tyree is someone who has shown maturity and respect for his teacher and his classmates. He is caring, kind, and like in football, he gives 100% effort to his learning.

Isaac McCarthy
SCHOOL: Heron School
GRADE: 6
Isaac goes above and beyond each day as is seen in his dedication to his studies. He is an exceptional friend as well. Since moving here three years ago, he has made many friends by being true to himself and being a reliable dedicated friend. He has joined our band program, science fair program, and the Ready Set Run program. When I think of the ideal Heron student, Isaac comes to mind because he comes to school each day dedicated to be his best, contribute to our school in a positive way, and be a great older brother.

Joseph Merit
SCHOOL: Natomas Gateways
GRADE: 8
Joseph demonstrates caring, responsibility, and citizenship in a lot of ways. At a local summer lunch program, he was waiting to help the adults every morning offering to help carry and do whatever else needed to be done to help feed the youth in our community. There were 120 lunches and snacks delivered daily, so it was not a job for the weak or meek! Joseph’s single mother is on active duty and deployed. He checks in with his mom on Facebook daily and is always respectful to those he comes into contact with.

Kalia Miyasaki
SCHOOL: Natomas Charter School
GRADE: 6
Kalia is a student that I can always trust to do the right thing. She greets everyone with a warm smile and has a terrific attitude. Kalia is often seen as a leader in her groups. Others respect her decisions because she is so fair. She shows that she cares about others by really listening to them. Kalia is a quiet leader in the classroom that is well respected by all.

Arnav Poovassery
SCHOOL: Natomas Park Elementary
GRADE: 4
In addition to showing respect to adults, Arnav also shows the same courtesy to his peers. He helps keep our room clean even when not asked and brings in snacks to share with the entire class. Arnav is a model student, well-balanced, strong socially and academically.

Anahi Puga
SCHOOL: Heron School
GRADE: 6
Anahi can be trusted to make the right decision when no one is looking. She acts on her own convictions, not on what others think of her. She is careful never to interrupt when someone is speaking and always uses kind words. Anahi always thinks of others and never tries to push ahead to gain an advantage.

Jacob Ramirez
SCHOOL: Natomas Charter School
GRADE: 10
Jacob is a very bright student who perseveres to get to school regularly despite several obstacles. He rides on an old bike, often with not just his backpack but also his musical instrument too. He will get there no matter what!

Joseph Romero
SCHOOL: Westlake Charter School
GRADE: 8
Joseph is a joyful and respectful young man that brings positivity to our learning environment every day. He has recently been part of a school competition. He is the current leader in his class and is very serious about it being in first place. However, the other day I looked over and he was helping the girl that is in second place. He was helping her to possibly beat him.

Victoria Saini
SCHOOL: Natomas Park Elementary
GRADE: 5
Victoria is not only an amazing student, but she’s an amazing person. She is extremely bright but doesn’t brag about it. She helps students that are in need. She is our classroom’s student representative to the student council and takes her job seriously. She wants to make not only our school a better place, but wants to make this world better.

Henna Sajjad
SCHOOL: Natomas Park Elementary
GRADE: 4
Henna is always respectful, helpful, and caring. She takes on challenges willingly (such as reading over 200 books in the summer reading program) and always makes sure to take care to help clean up each day even if she did not use the items left out.

Kemuelle Sapiago
SCHOOL: Natomas Charter School
GRADE: 8
Kemy is one of the sweetest and most hardworking children I have ever had the pleasure of teaching. She is not only a great student, but is kind-hearted and caring to everyone she is around. Her responsibility is something to be desired, even by me. She is very humble and would benefit from being rewarded for her kind heart and gentle spirit.

Julietta Sawyer
SCHOOL: Natomas Charter School PACT
GRADE: 6
Julietta is a good example to other students in her classes as she shows she cares by listening and participating. Her fellow students have said she is fair and respectful. She is responsible and takes the initiative with her education. Julietta continually strives to do her best.

Yuta Scharf
SCHOOL: Heron School
GRADE: 3
Yuta is an amazing young man who always works hard. He never complains and always wants to learn. He is a very determined student and is kind to all. Yuta is very honest and would greatly benefit from the bike program.

Ashleen Singh
SCHOOL: Heron School
GRADE: 5
Ashleen is a kind-hearted, respectful, and focused student. Helping others, such as asking her teammates if they understand the assignment, setting goals within in her team, and going beyond the assignments in class are just a part of her character. She is very humble, and always looks at the positive aspect of life.

Thomas Speer
SCHOOL: Natomas Park Elementary
GRADE: 4
Thomas is kind boy who always tries his best. No matter what, his smile is fresh every day. He recently joined Cub Scouts and loves belonging to something so grand. He tells me he has to get his work done so he can go to his meetings.

Jzov Stith-Gambles
SCHOOL: Inderkum High School
GRADE: 12
Jzov has excelled in her academics and has been taking college courses through most of her high school years. She was elected to the NUSD School Board as their Student Board Member. She meets with student groups from various schools, organizations throughout Sacramento, and education and political leaders to learn and share information she learns to help define, shape, and create opportunities for youth, as well as to help improve education. Jzov is the epitome of responsibility. She volunteers at the local food pantry and homeless shelter. She excels and is humble, kind, and appreciative. She would go out of her way and help anybody.

Samuel Szabo
SCHOOL: Natomas Charter School
GRADE: 6
Samuel comes to school each day with a great attitude and ready to work. He is helpful to others in class and respectful of their ideas. He is kind to others and gets along well with all. He has only recently moved to the United States from Hungary last year, but he works hard to learn new vocabulary, never shying away from a challenge. He even memorized Robert Frost’s “The Road Not Taken.”

Showmen Talukder
SCHOOL: Star Academy
GRADE: 4
Showmen is well-liked by his peers and adults alike because of his respect, trustworthiness, and willingness to assist others even to detriment of self. He is my tech assistant in the computer lab and regardless of whether he is finished or not, I can count on Showmen to help others and still stay on track and finish his tasks. He also helps make sure the computer lab is prepared for the next incoming class without ever being told it was his job and his example has caused other students to assist on their own as well.

Bella Titone
SCHOOL: Natomas Park Elementary
GRADE: 5
Bella is a responsible, hardworking student. She was voted as her classroom student council representative. Her enthusiasm is contagious and she is loved by her peers as she frequently offers assistance and friendship to others. She is kind and thoughtful not only in the classroom, but also on her own at lunch and recess when adults are not around.

Ignacio Vaquez
SCHOOL: Natomas Charter PFAA Middle School
GRADE: 8
I would like to nominate Ignacio based on the traits of citizenship and responsibility. He walks an hour and a half to and from school every day. I am impressed and amazed by his dedication and self-motivation to succeed in his education. Not many adults would be dedicated enough to walk through cold mornings and rain just to get to school. Ignacio is a talented dancer who is driven to succeed.

Ariel Waithaka
SCHOOL: Natomas Charter School
GRADE: 11
Ariel is trustworthy and respectful. He advocates for himself and is very honest. I can count on Ariel to participate fully in class. Ariel is also delightful to have a conversation with – he really listens to what you have to say. He is an outside-of-the-box thinker and works hard without taking himself too seriously. Ariel would benefit from working with community members and seeing that they believe in him and care about him. I think it would mean a lot to him to see community members coming together to help not only him, but other kids in the community.

Samuel Wurgler
SCHOOL: NP3
GRADE: 11
Sam is the City of Sacramento’s youngest Park Ambassador. He does weekly walkthroughs of his adopted park and emails reports when complete. He also is responsible for holding semi-annual park clean-ups with neighbors. He creates the flyer, walks his neighborhood, and invites friends to join in….all of which is done with little guidance from the District 1 office.

Madeline Yamamoto
SCHOOL: Inderkum High School
GRADE: 9
When things are tough on the field, Madeline picks up her teammates and compliments them. If they need advice or instruction, she provides that as well. She treats all teammates with respect. She is a natural leader, albeit a quiet one. Off the field, Madeline maintains impeccable grades and manages to balance her IB commitment in school with the demands of the soccer season.

Kaylynn Yee
SCHOOL: Witter Ranch Elementary
GRADE: 5
Kaylynn is an excellent student. She works hard on everything she does. She is very respectful and responsible to everyone in our school. She helps others with their work if they don’t understand it and is very kind in her words and actions. She also makes an effort to be kind to students if they are alone.

Volunteers are still needed for this volunteer-based event. Visit NNTMA.org/50Bikes to sign up today. No bike building experience necessary – the North Natomas TMA will train you!#50Bikes2015