The adults of the future are already achieving recognition for their classroom success.
Every month, students at local schools are selected by their teachers and honored by Kiwanis Club of Pacific Beach — a chapter of an international group dedicated to uplifting children in every community.
Penelope Zoby | 3rd Grade, Pacific Beach Elementary
“Right away, I recognized a spirit in Penelope, always fun with a smile on her face,” said teacher Shelley Warner. “All that plays out in who she is as a student, classmate, and friend. She’s a leader in our classroom, setting the bar for what should be done: using time wisely, being kind, and having patience.”
Penelope says she learned everything from her family. Stephanie and Pete Zoby couldn’t be prouder of their daughter.
“She’s quick, always willing to jump in and lend a hand. She’s always been like that,” said Pete.
Her older brother William attended the same school. The siblings stood out as having really good relationships with their parents, sharing that care and support with those around them.
“She’s a really nice person, I think she often helps a lot without even realizing it,” said William.
“I do,” said Penelope. “I like helping them understand.”
When Penelope finishes an assignment, she’ll go around the class to help. Warner explains that hearing an explanation from a peer, another kid, often helps her students’ understanding of the lesson. “Having her in the class elevates it to a higher level.”
Penelope has a knack for details, remembering what makes other people happy and always working to include those who may feel left out.
“She brings out the best in people by being kind and interested in others – you don’t always see that,” said Warner.
Sofia Brownlee | 5th Grade, Kate Sessions Elementary
“She’s a leader in our classroom; humble, kind, absolutely brilliant, and so caring to everybody,” said teacher Karen Clifford.
Sofia distinguishes herself by taking detailed notes and never being afraid to ask questions, ensuring she understands Clifford’s lessons. She exemplifies a “growth mindset” for learning.
When she turns to help her classmates, Brownlee’s understanding allows her to help them with the material. Her compassion guides her approach, always asking “How are you feeling?” when offering her support.
“We’re not in the classroom with her,” said father David Brownlee. “You see it all the time at home, but to know that it carries on when you’re not there is amazing.”
Angelo, her older brother, recently injured his thumb. Sofia didn’t hesitate to help, running over with an icepack from the freezer.
“She’s an incredible athlete as well — gymnastics,” said Clifford. “This girl is a future Olympian!”
Sofia looks up to Jordan Chiles, whose dominant performance won gold at the 2022 Gymnastics World Championship. “I went to watch her before at UCLA, they’re really good,” she said.
David and mother Luna reflected on Sofia’s first gymnastics trick — jumping off the couch and landing on her head. Thankfully, she escaped serious injury, but her responsehighlighted her perseverance.
“She’s crying and I go over there, asking ‘Are you okay? Are you okay?’” said David. “She said, ‘Yeah, yeah, daddy. I think I know how to do it now.’ And then she’d go back and try again.”
Sofia is never afraid to get back up; no failure will ever keep her down.
“I see what my parents and brother do. I get inspiration from them,” she said.
A team effort
Tony Bayona has run the Student of the Month program for 8 years. In that time, he’s seen how important family support is for kids, describing their success as a “team effort.”
Kiwanis often awards students who help others, mirroring the support they receive at home. This recognition is proof for parents that their children will make positive change in the world. According to David Brownlee, “It’s the job of every parent.”
