Sarasota County Schools celebrate January ‘Students of The Month’

Sarasota County Schools has named four additional students as “Students of the Month” for January. This recognition highlights young leaders who demonstrate exceptional academic drive, community service and personal resilience.

This continued recognition is sponsored by the Hale Law Firm. Each month, selected students will be featured in the print newspaper and highlighted on our news website. There is no cost to schools or students to participate.

The students were nominated for recognition by Sarasota County Schools high school officials. The district school submitted outstanding students for consideration based on three key criteria:

• Outstanding Academic Achievement: Students who demonstrate dedication to learning, consistent performance, and significant academic growth.

• Leadership: Students who demonstrate strong character, integrity, and who serve as positive role models to their peers, both formally and informally.

• Active participation in school and community activities: Students who go above and beyond to contribute to extracurricular activities, volunteer efforts, civic engagement, or other community development initiatives.

Student nominees this month included:

Brandon Dinh – North Port High School

Brandon Dinh, a senior at North Port High School, has secured his future with a full scholarship to Duke University through the prestigious QuestBridge program.

A dedicated scholar and enthusiast of chemistry, Brandon credits this subject with challenging his critical thinking and aligning with his goal of becoming an anesthesiologist.

Outside of the classroom, he is a familiar face at Sarasota Memorial Hospital in Venice, where he volunteers to support staff and patients, and he remains active in the Boys and Girls Club’s STAR program. “My parents inspire me through their daily challenges to provide for us,” Dinh said, emphasizing that their sacrifices push him to make the most of every opportunity.

Carmen Reyna – Booker High School

Representing Booker High School’s senior class, Carmen Reyna is a standout student in Cambridge’s AICE program who has already earned her AICE diploma.

With an impressive 4.5 GPA, Reyna is senior class vice president and co-leader of the Careers in International Affairs Club.

As a first-generation college-bound student, she is known for her integrity and ambition to major in accounting and finance with an eye toward becoming a lawyer. In addition to her leadership roles, Reyna acts as a mentor, constantly setting a positive example for her peers.

Ashleigh Halbert – North Port Secondary School

Freshman Ashleigh Halbert has already made a significant impact in her first year at North Port High.

Having recently won a GPA award for the women’s golf team, Halbert proved her academic mettle by outperforming the older students on the team. She is a multi-sport athlete, competing in both basketball and golf, and serves her community as a referee for North Port Youth Soccer.

Looking ahead, Halbert plans to pursue a degree in architectural or mechanical engineering at the University of Florida after first attending SCF to manage college costs. She considers her parents to be her main source of encouragement, pushing her to excel in sports and academics.

Amanie Tomlinson – Booker High School

Sophomore Amanie Tomlinson is a rising star in Booker High School’s Cambridge AICE program, maintaining a 4.4 grade point average.

Tomlinson balances a rigorous academic schedule with his role as a mentor. She is co-leader of the MEDICS Club, is an active member of the SGA, and participates in the FSU SSTRIDE mentoring program. For two years she was a member of the BHS Marching Band. Known for her optimistic attitude and dedication, Tomlinson is highly respected by her peers and teachers for her ability to balance excellence in extracurricular and academic activities.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: January Students of the Month: Sarasota schools honor student leaders.