The City of Rancho Cordova’s Holiday STAR program recognized and rewarded 29 high-achieving local students with a special breakfast, on-stage ceremony and shopping spree on December 14, 2022.
The Holiday STAR (Student Talent Achievement Reward) program is a joint effort by the city, Rancho Cordova Police Department, schools and community partners. For the sixth year in a row, the program recognized preschool and elementary school students who, despite challenging financial circumstances, have worked hard to become high achievers both academically and behaviorally.
“The Holiday STAR program is a wonderful way for us to partner with our local schools and businesses during the holiday season to show our students how much we care about their success and future in Rancho Cordova,” said Mayor Linda Budge. “We are so proud of all of them for the tremendous effort and hard work they’ve put into school.”
The event kicked off with a special breakfast for the Holiday “STARs,” their parents and school principals. An on-stage recognition ceremony followed that was emceed by Mayor Budge and Chief of Police Brandon Luke, and each principal said a few words about the students they’d nominated. The students were then presented with new backpacks, pajamas, a special Holiday STAR sweater, a McDonald’s gift card, and a $100 shopping spree at Rancho Cordova Target.
The fun and excitement continued as each Holiday STAR student was paired with a city staff member, police officer or Sacramento Metro Fire District firefighter for their shopping spree. At the sound of the airhorn, the students and their shopping partners rushed inside Target and hand-picked toys, clothes, school supplies and more.
“It made me really happy, like something special is happening to me and I deserved this,” said Holiday STAR student Josiah. “I had to work hard, put myself before others, and help others in need.”
Local community partners who helped make the Holiday STAR program possible include the Rancho Cordova Police Activities League, Rancho Cordova Target, Sacramento Metro Fire District, Golden State Water Company, Wake Audio and Huhtamaki.
