Rincon Valley Middle School eighth grader Grant Mattingly is Santa Rosa City Schools middle school student of the month.

Mattingly takes a challenging course load and has earned four A+s this semester, school officials said.

“Words that come to mind in describing Grant are: intelligent, insightful, quiet leader, mature,” said Mrs. Blair, Mattingly’s English teacher.

“Grant is outstanding in so many ways,” said Ms. Kubiak, Mattingly’s history teacher. “He enjoys going above and beyond on projects. He cares about understanding what he is learning, not just memorizing. Most of all, Grant is just a really nice person, and I know that he will go on to do great things.”

Mattingly is a volunteer with the Redwood Empire Food Bank and Assistance Dog Institute.

He is an active musician, artist and chef who also plays basketball, baseball and volleyball.