Gavin Dias is a sixth grader with a mature pallet, citing his favorite food as sushi. But his maturity extends beyond his gastronomic appetite as he brings a responsible and accountable influence into his sixth grade classroom at Julien Elementary.

Gavin is a recent recipient of the November Rotary Student of the Month and September Responsibility Character Trait award, both an indication of his thoughtful nature despite his young age. His accountability won him a spotlight in the newspaper among other students of the month as well as recognition at his school assembly where he was awarded a certificate, school pendant and flag among other school goodies. In the classroom Gavin favors numbers over words as he is drawn to math, a subject that he enjoys because it comes easily to him while science and history require more attention.

“I think it’s easy and fun because I can catch on quickly. I also enjoy the challenge,” said Gavin.

Gavin is a diligent student who makes homework a priority. He also makes efforts outside the classroom to be involved in a variety of extracurricular including his church youth group at Our Lady of the Assumption, soccer, football and racing quads.

“It started when my grandpa, who has a two-seater, would take me out to La Grange to go with him,” said Gavin, who now races his own quad at local fairs, winning three 1st place titles in his age group in the last year.

When Gavin isn’t busy with school or sports he enjoys traveling with his mom, dad and sister to Monterey and San Francisco.

“In Monterey I like to go climbing the rocks with my dad and when we go to San Francisco we go to Chinatown to get the flat fortune cookies,” said Gavin.

Dutcher Middle School is in Gavin's future plans, along with a new activity: baseball.