Rancho Cordova city staff, the police department and Metro Fire came together on Dec. 4 to honor 34 Holiday STARs.

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) – On Dec. 4, the City of Rancho Cordova, Rancho Cordova Police Department and Sacramento Metro Fire spread holiday cheer and recognized the achievements of 34 exceptional local students.

The eighth annual Holiday STAR (Student Talent Achievement Reward) event honored children ranging from preschool to fifth-grade who have excelled academically and behaviorally, despite facing challenges.

The celebration took place at the Rancho Cordova Target store, where students were treated to a festive breakfast, a recognition ceremony and a shopping spree. Each child received a new backpack filled with holiday gifts, along with a $100 shopping voucher to spend at Target.

“I’m incredibly proud to be here today celebrating these students who have worked so hard and overcome challenges,” said Rancho Cordova City Manager Micah Runner. “We are celebrating 34 students who have achieved great things through perseverance and determination. This event was the brainchild of one of our police sergeants and it’s now one of my favorite events of the year.”

When the horn sounded, students and their personal shoppers rushed to the Target store for their shopping spree.

The students were nominated by their teachers for demonstrating resilience, strong academic performance and good behavior. Two students from each participating school in the Folsom Cordova, Elk Grove and Sacramento City Unified School Districts, as well as the Rancho Cordova Youth Center, were selected for this year’s event.

“It’s such a special event,” said Martin Hock, Sunrise Elementary principal. “I’ve been a principal in three different cities, and this has been the most progressive city when it comes to serving children and schools. The partnership with the city is fantastic and it’s a wonderful way to show these resilient kids that they have what it takes to be successful in life.”

Hock emphasized the importance of celebrating students who demonstrate persistence in the face of adversity.

“At Sunrise, we focus on building resilience in our students because we know life can be tough. When kids realize that they can do hard things and that there are people around them supporting them, it helps them develop into strong, capable adults,” Hock said.

Mayor David M. Sander, Ph.D., alongside Police Chief Matt Tamayo, were in attendance to honor the students.

One of the most heartwarming moments of the event was the shopping spree, where each student was paired with a city staff member, a Rancho Cordova police officer or a Sacramento Metro Fire personnel to be their personal shopper.

“The kids light up when they get to pick out their own gifts,” said James Tucker, Navigator Elementary School principal.

Kaia, a Cordova Villa student, was one of the event’s excited shoppers.

“I feel great because I got a bunch of stuff! I got some canvases, paint, paintbrushes, a teddy, a toy car and some slides,” she said.

Kaia, a Cordova Villa student, beams with joy after completing her shopping trip.

The Holiday STAR event highlights the achievements of these students and reinforces the sense of community in Rancho Cordova. The event servs as a reminder of the importance of supporting and celebrating youth, particularly those who face significant challenges. With the continued partnership between the city, schools and local organizations, the Holiday STAR event remains a cherished tradition that inspires and uplifts students.