The Noon Kiwanis Club has started up its student recognition program for the new school year.

The “Falcon Leader” program recognizes outstanding Fountain Hills Middle School students, while the Pacesetters program honors top-notch high schoolers.

“It serves as a perfect complement to our Terrific Kids program at the elementary school level,” said Ed Kehe, president of the Noon Kiwanis Club.

The long-standing Terrific Kids program, rooted in Kiwanis International, recognizes younger students for character traits and other leadership qualities rather than academics.

The Falcon Leader and Pacesetter programs, developed by the local Noon Club, recognize older students for community service work, academics, extra-curricular activities and more.

“We can’t thank Anita Gomez and Tom Brennan, the middle and high school principals, enough for their cooperation on this program,” Kehe added.

“They and the teachers do an outstanding job in selecting the students.”

The first awards for the 2013-14 school year were given out this month, and the program will continue monthly through next spring.

Both principals, the students and their families come to respective luncheon meetings to participate in the awards ceremonies.

“The motto of Kiwanis is serving the children of the world,” Kehe said.

“One way to serve young people is to recognize them for their achievements and abilities.

“We always hear the negative things about kids, but this is something positive that demonstrates to the community what type of students we have in Fountain Hills.

“We’re proud of these students and their families and what they’ve accomplished so far.

“We wish them the best as they continue their academic journeys.”

The Noon Kiwanis Club organizes youth-related programs and service projects on an ongoing basis throughout the year.

Information: Contact Kehe at 816-1538 or e-mail him at ekehe@msn.com.