Glen Ellen’s Dunbar Elementary names its Student of the Year

Dulce Soto, daughter of Patricia and Julian Soto, has been honored by Dunbar Elementary School as Student of the Year – for her impressive academic achievements, outstanding character and joy for learning.

“When I first met Dulce on Aug. 14, I had a feeling we would be honoring her as Student of the Year,” said Principal Jillian Beall. “Since that day, I have come to know Dulce as a kind, thoughtful, inquisitive and responsible individual. She impresses those around her with her quiet confidence and ability to lead and make a difference in the lives of others.”

Dunbar staff describe Dulce as a wonderful role model for her peers, and say that she motivates those around her to challenge themselves to be the best they can be.

Dulce boasts impressive scores in both language arts and math that place her at the top of her class. Teacher Brandy Melendy said that she is “amazingly intelligent and eager to absorb more knowledge.

“She loves to read,” said Melendy, while applauding Dulce for being far above the curve this year in the class’s Accelerated Reader program.

Dulce also serves as the Dunbar Student Leadership Chairperson and is described as a positive, active member of the school community, who treats everyone with respect. She leads by example and is an excellent team player both in and out of the classroom, say Dunbar staff.

When asked why education is important, Dulce puts it succinctly: “You need it to get through life.”

Dulce says her goals are to make it to a university and possibly study computer science. She added that she may study to become an FBI agent.

“We are so fortunate to have Dulce as a role model on our campus to lead, inspire and motivate,” said Beall.

This article is one in a series that honors the Students of the year at each Sonoma Valley Unified School District Campus. Dunbar Elementary’s second honoree for 2017-2018 declined to be included in this article.