The November students of the month, as chosen by the Marysville Kiwanis and Soroptimist clubs, once again exemplify leadership and academic excellence.

Zack Hanson has achieved a cumulative 3.903 GPA during his high school career while taking advanced placement classes in history, language, literature, chemistry, algebra and pre-calculus. He is a member of the National Honor Society and the Bio-Tech Club and is also an active athlete who competes in both track and the football team.

Zack enjoys mentoring younger students, as shown by his involvement in the Big Buddy Program, Marysville's Arena Youth Football team and at a youth football camp.

A dedicated community volunteer, Zack participated in a street cleanup project on 88th Street, helped with the Rotary's 2009 Pumpkins for Literacy event, and worked with Mack Strong and Hope International at Tulalip Elementary.

He has been elected to the Homecoming Court twice, in 2007 and 2009, and currently ranks 33rd in his class of 608 at M-PHS.

M-PHS senior Riley Taitingfong is a varsity volleyball player and a track and field participant who maintains an impressive 4.0 GPA. Currently serving as the communications chair for ASB, Riley won the Ayn Rand essay contest as a sophomore and was debate champion during her junior year.

Riley attends the International School of Communications (ISC) at M-PHS, and has served as a prefect for the academy among other leadership positions. She has been the TV3 station manager for two years and was president of the Pilchuck Media and Broadcast club as a junior.

The accomplished young lady was also elected Homecoming Queen this year.

Riley's community service work includes volunteer projects with Housing Hope, Salts of the Earth Food Bank, and Vacation Bible School at Mountainview Presbyterian Church. She also volunteered to oversee the remote operations of the Strawberry Festival Parade and last year's graduation ceremony.