Sebastian Exchange Club is pleased to present its November Students of the Month. The Youth of the Month program recognizes hardworking pre-high and high school students who attain high levels of scholastic achievement, community involvement, leadership, and good citizenship at school and home. The students recognized for the month of November were Layla English from Sebastian Charter Junior High School, Amelia Pasqualone from Sebastian River Middle School, Hadleigh Brown from Storm Grove Middle School, and Zahra Qizilbash and Christopher Cheries from Sebastian River High School.
Layla English (Sebastian Charter Junior High School)
Layla English, an 8th grader, is experiencing significant success this year. She excels in advanced classes and is renowned for her respectful, kind nature and thoughtful communication. Layla’s ability to explain complex concepts with patience contributes to her effectiveness as a peer mentor. She embodies the traits of a strong student of character, being responsible, caring, trustworthy, and a good citizen. Her exceptional qualities, including a quiet disposition and serious approach to studies, have earned her respect from both teachers and peers. Layla’s determination and diligence led her to make straight As in the first quarter. She demonstrates a commendable academic tenacity and a willingness to assist others. Her trustworthy nature was recognized when she was elected as the Treasurer of the National Junior Honor Society, where she excels in managing finances. Additionally, Layla has been dedicated to gymnastics for 12 years and recently ventured into entrepreneurship by starting a jewelry-making business.
Amelia Pasqualone (Sebastian River Middle School)
Amelia Pasqualone consistently excels academically, thanks to her unwavering dedication and effort. Last school year, she showcased her talents by participating in Sebastian River Middle School’s Science and Engineering Expo and the Regional Science and Engineering Fair. Amelia embodies the qualities of an IB learner through her open-mindedness, caring attitude, and commitment to achieving excellence in all her endeavors. As a reflective learner, Amelia thoughtfully engages with her studies, and her inquisitive nature drives her to delve deeper into subjects for a more comprehensive understanding.
Her hard work and compassionate demeanor have earned her the admiration and respect of her peers, positioning her as a strong role model. Amelia consistently goes beyond expectations, demonstrating exceptional care and open-mindedness. She naturally assumes leadership roles in collaborative settings, showing integrity and principle in her academic work. Furthermore, Amelia’s kindness and willingness to help others highlight her as a caring and dedicated individual, always ready to extend her support.
Hadleigh Brown (Storm Grove Middle School)
Hadleigh Brown excels in her academic pursuits, maintaining straight A’s throughout middle school while taking advanced courses. She actively participates in extracurricular activities, holding roles as a member of the Chorus, Team Captain and Most Valuable Player of the SGMS Volleyball Team, and Team Captain for the Vero Elite Volleyball team. Additionally, she dedicates her time as a Youth Volunteer at the First United Methodist Church. As both a student and athlete, Hadleigh demonstrates remarkable focus, leadership, practice, and dedication.
She is fully engaged in the classroom, actively participating in discussions, seeking clarity on assignments, and collaborating effectively with peers. Her kind and helpful nature extends to teachers and students, underscoring her integrity and pride in her identity. Hadleigh’s strong leadership qualities make her an exemplary role model, inspiring confidence with her attitude of “We’ve got this!” Despite balancing school, family, sports, and social challenges, Hadleigh manages these responsibilities easily. Her cheerful, friendly, respectful, and responsible demeanor sets her apart as an ideal Storm Grove Middle School role model.
Zahra Qizilbash (Sebastian River High School)
Zahra Qizilbash, an IB Diploma Candidate, has achieved an impressive 4.571 weighted GPA and is ranked 6th in her class. She is an esteemed member of the National Honor Society and has demonstrated exceptional skills in journalism and human resources, securing 1st Place in both fields at the FBLA Districts in her 10th and 11th grades, respectively. Her academic prowess has been consistently recognized with the SRHS Shark Award for Academic Excellence across three consecutive years. In addition to her academic achievements, Zahra actively contributes to her school community as a Senior Class representative, Treasurer of the FBLA, and a member of the SRHS Excel Club.
Zahra’s commitment to education extends beyond her own learning; she engages in Peer-to-Peer tutoring at Fellsmere Elementary and serves as a Science Fair judge for elementary schools. Her athletic involvement includes being a Varsity Member of the SRHS golf team from 10th to 12th grade and participating in Flag Football.
Her professional experience is marked by internships in marketing at Capt. Hiram’s over two summers and at Iconic Dermatology Medical Office. Zahra is known for her studious, friendly, and positive demeanor, and she balances her academic and extracurricular commitments with compassion. Outside school, she enjoys traveling with her family, playing golf with friends, and reading.
With aspirations to attend Clemson University, inspired by her father, Zahra has applied to several colleges. Upon receiving her award, she expressed gratitude to the Sebastian Exchange Club, her advisor, and her family, including her parents and grandparents, highlighting the support system behind her successes.
Christopher Cheries (Sebastian River High School)
Christopher Cheries, an IB Diploma Candidate, has achieved an impressive 4.509 weighted GPA and ranks in the top 5% of his class. He has been recognized as a National Merit Commended Scholar and holds the position of Vice President of Fundraising for the National Honor Society, in addition to being an AP Scholar. His involvement in extracurricular activities is extensive, including membership in the FBLA and participating in the Masterminds club for two years.
Christopher’s dedication to music is evident through his long-standing participation in the band since 6th grade, where he served as a Co-Percussion Captain in his junior year and as part of the drumline in his senior year. Additionally, he has been an active member of the Varsity Tennis Team for four years.
Known for his exceptional academic abilities, Christopher is not hesitant to ask insightful questions that stimulate thoughtful discussions among his peers. His unique perspectives often spark meaningful dialogues in the classroom. Recognized for his academic excellence, Christopher is also celebrated for being responsible, punctual, hardworking, helpful, and self-motivated.
Christopher aspires to pursue biomedical engineering and plans to attend the University of Florida. Upon receiving his award, he thanked the Sebastian Exchange Club for recognizing his achievements and contributions.
The Sebastian Exchange Club is actively involved in community initiatives beyond its Student of the Month program. The club focuses on four key areas of service: Preventing Child Abuse, Supporting Youth Activities, Promoting Americanism, and Engaging in Community Service. One of their significant annual events is the Sebastian Exchange Foundation’s Blue Water Open Charity Offshore Fishing Tournament, scheduled for May 31 – June 1, 2024. This event, a staple for the past 30 years, has successfully raised over $1,000,000, reinvesting all proceeds into the local community.
If you’re interested in these community efforts, you’re invited to join the Sebastian Exchange Club luncheon meeting. These meetings are held at Capt. Hiram’s Resort at noon every Wednesday, except for the first Wednesday of each month. For more details about the Blue Water Open and how to get involved or support this event, please visit their website at www.bluewateropen.com.
