MARYVILLE, Mo. – The Maryville Rotary Club recognized Jag Galapin and Alonna Cross as December Students of the Month and Lucas Klotz as January Student of the Month at its meeting Wednesday at the Maryville Community Center. Leah Richardson was unavailable to attend the luncheon and will be recognized in February.
The three each received a $100 scholarship and certificate in recognition of their outstanding leadership and exemplary service to the community of Maryville and beyond through high school activities and study.
“Thank you for placing service above self while helping to bring community members and peers together to provide humanitarian service and advance goodwill and world peace,” the certificate reads.
Students will also have the opportunity to apply for one of the two largest club-sponsored scholarships at the end of the school year.
Cross is the daughter of Libby and Corey Cross. Makayla Cross is his sister.
“Alonna was an excellent student who always did her best,” according to her nomination form. “She worked very hard for her grades. He’s also a great person. She is kind and helpful. Alonna always volunteered to help me whenever I needed it. She always made sure to say “Good day” to me before leaving the room. Alonna is also involved in many MHS activities. She is a very complete student.
“Alonna is a very dedicated student who quickly became involved in all things MHS after transferring here in her second year. She became a valued leader in many of her pursuits. She is one of the hardest workers I know with the time and effort she puts into her classes. She is also heavily involved in softball, Spectrum, FCCLA and National Honor Society. Alonna is always ready to volunteer to fulfill any role or task required. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to have Alonna at MHS!
Cross kept busy at school as captain of the softball team, president of the FCCLA, vice president of Spectrum, vice president of the National Honor Society, secretary of the National Technical Honor Society, treasurer of Future Business Leaders of America, participating in school musicals and Northwestern District Honor Choir, Illumination, band, FFA and basketball.
Within the community, she has delivered meals to homes, unloaded trucks at the ministry center and volunteered for young players in Maryville, trunk or treats, summer school, training for dogs by Northwest Technical School and at Loess Hills Day Camp, Softball Camps. and at the Pickering Horse Show.
After graduation, Cross plans to attend Northwest Missouri State University and likely major in a field related to business and finance.
“I would rather be hated for who I am than loved for who I am not” is her personal philosophy of life.
Galapin is the son of Julifer and Rosvic Galapin. His siblings are Vyron, Jewl and Vince Galapin.
“Jag was a hard worker throughout high school,” according to his nomination form. “(He) has represented MHS well this fall in cross country – as an athlete, but more importantly with good sportsmanship and exceptional effort. In addition to academics and athletics, he holds a part-time job and is a member of the National Honor Society. Jag is kind and welcoming to all students.
Galapin was busy in high school as a member of the International Club, Track, Cross Country, National Honor Society and was part of the band for two years and SkillsUSA as a junior.
In the community, he delivered meals on wheels and volunteered at STAT after school in college. He unloaded trucks at the Ministry Center and trained as a certified nursing assistant at a nursing home.
After graduating, Galapin plans to return to the Philippines and take the entrance exam for Silliman University to study nursing for four years.
“Never give up. Try to learn from your mistakes,” is his personal philosophy on life.
Klotz is the son of Kim and Steve Klotz. Vanessa Klotz is his sister.
“(Lucas) demonstrates good citizenship and has consistently maintained a high GPA,” according to his nomination form. “He chooses challenging classes and does well in those classes. Lucas is kind, respectful and responsible.
Klotz kept busy at school as a member of the National Honor Society, Octagon Club, Student Council, Future Business Leaders of America, International Club, and as a football manager/filmer for four years.
Within the community, he delivered Meals on Wheels; volunteers at the Ministry Center and summer school and for Student Council service projects.
After graduation, he plans to attend the University of Missouri and major in engineering.
“Don’t stress about things you can’t control. It’s a waste of time,” is his personal philosophy of life.
