Thirty-four students were recognized on Dec. 3 as the city; the Rancho Cordova Police Department and Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District hosted the annual Holiday STAR event. Photo courtesy of Krystal Roina

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - Thirty-four students from across Rancho Cordova were recognized on Dec. 3 as the city, the Rancho Cordova Police Department and Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District hosted the annual Holiday STAR (Student Talent Achievement Reward) program.

“What an incredible celebration of our outstanding students at the Holiday STAR event! These young leaders exemplify hard work, creativity and positive impact in our schools,” said Folsom Cordova Unified School District Superintendent, Erik Swanson.  “We thank the City of Rancho Cordova, Rancho Cordova Police Department and Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District for partnering to honor these students and support our commitment to fostering the next generation of learners and leaders in our community.”

The students, selected by their teachers or principals for academic achievement, positive behavior or resilience, were honored with a backpack filled with STEM activities, favorite snacks, a Holiday STAR sweatshirt and a $100 gift card for holiday shopping. Sixteen schools from three districts, along with the Rancho Cordova Youth Center, nominated students for this year’s celebration.

The event was held at the Rancho Cordova Target store, where Rancho Cordova Police Department and Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District officers shopped with their respective children. Photo courtesy of Krystal Roina

“This is my fourth year as a principal participating in this event,” said Anna Chitwood, principal of Rancho Cordova Elementary School. “It truly is a wonderful way to celebrate our students who are shining and/or have made lots of growth in certain areas. Thank you to our amazing city and all the volunteers that make this special event happen.”

The event was held at the Rancho Cordova Target located at 10881 Olson Dr, where students began the morning with a breakfast and recognition ceremony before heading into the aisles for a guided shopping experience. City employees, Rancho Cordova Police Department officers and Metro Fire personnel walked alongside students as they filled their carts.

“Let’s give a big round of applause to these incredible students for their hard work and dedication!” said a Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District officer.

Rancho Cordova Police Department officers smile alongside Santa Claus at the Holiday STAR event on Dec. 3. Photo courtesy of Krystal Roina

Parents joined the celebration as onlookers while their children shopped.

“My daughter had so much fun and enjoyed shopping with her officer,” one parent said.

City officials said the Holiday STAR program, now in its ninth year, has grown into a community tradition focused on encouraging local youth.

“The City of Rancho Cordova extends its appreciation to local schools, Target, and our public safety partners for making this heartfelt tradition possible,” the city said in a social media post.