Round Lake High names Youth of the Month

Round Lake High School student Octavio Velazquez has been named Youth of the Month by a local service organization.

Members of the Round Lake Area Exchange Club honored Velazquez for the achievement. The club's 2015-16 Youth of the Month theme is "Responsible citizenship for a strong America."

Velazquez, a senior, is the November Youth of the Month.

Exchange Club President Jeanne Kearby presented Octavio with a certificate, an Amazon gift card and other goodies.

Velazquez has a 3.6 grade-point average and is enrolled in all honors and Advanced Placement courses. He also is involved in school activities, including tennis, math team, chess club and game club.

In addition, Velazquez volunteers within the Round Lake Area Unit District 116 community by doing landscaping, baby-sitting and cooking for those in need. He aspires to become an engineer after college.

Youth of the Month Award recognizes hardworking high school students who attain high levels of scholastic achievement, community involvement and leadership, according to the national Exchange Club.

This program not only rewards outstanding young people, but also provides an incentive for other youngsters to strive for equally high levels of achievement.

Velazquez's guidance counselor, Kelli Snyder, has a high level of respect for Octavio.

"Octavio has grown into a motivated, well-rounded person with a drive to succeed," Snyder said. "He asserts himself as a leader in the academic, extracurricular and community settings. He is extremely personable and energetic and would do anything in his power to achieve success at all levels."