Crafton, Bonifacio named Students of the Month

Shannia Crafton and Maekyla Bonifacio were recognized for their school involvement as the February Students of the Month in Marysville.

The award is given out during each month in the school year by the Marysville Kiwanis and Soroptimist clubs to students who they believe deserve recognition for their work in the community, in their school and their academic achievements.

Shannia Crafton is a Marysville Getchell High school senior with a 4.0 GPA.

At her school she participates in many clubs such as the Link Crew, a club that often welcomes new students to schools, and the Key Club, a service club connected to Kiwanis International.

She is also a member of the Writing for Publication club, where she serves as publicist to help advertise the club in person as well as on social media.

In her community, Crafton has been a volunteer with the Marysville Community Food Bank where she assists clients with bagging their groceries.

Crafton hopes to attend a four-year university. Her career goal right now is to eventually become an elementary school teacher.

Maekyla Bonifacio is a leader in the district’s NJROTC program and serves as the current Executive Officer, which is second-in-command for the unit.

As Executive Officer she organizes the annual Military Ball and helps oversee new members of the program.

She has also been a platoon commander, a squad leader, an operations officer and a teams officer with the program.

As a part of the NJROTC color guard and drill team she is also involved in practicing flag-bearing and drill skills.

Maekyla has received a Cadet of the Month, Cadet of the Year and Personal Appearance awards for her work in the program.

At Marysville Getchell High School she has also helped coordinate and advise for some of her school’s events.

Over the last four years of her high school experience she has completed more than 100 hours of community service.

Those hours include helping Rotary and Chamber of Commerce auctions, Soroptimist International activities, being a parking volunteer at the Lights of Christmas event and helping at the Marysville and Arlington food banks.

Maekyla has also earned a Taekwondo black belt.

After graduating high school she plans to pursue a career as a pharmacy technician or something in the financial industry.