Carlita Shields, vice president of her junior class at Asbury Park High School, was honored today by the State Board of Education as the student of the month.

Carlita, known in her school community as a strong leader with outstanding people skills, was recently selected as a finalist for the 2007 Governor's School of Engineering and Technology. She plans to study engineering in college.

"Carlita's abilities are far-reaching," said Dr. Arnold G. Hyndman, president of the State Board of Education. "She's not only successful in her school endeavors but also has a strong work ethic for which she was recently honored as a McDonald's Employee of the Month."

In addition to her work as vice president of her class, Carlita is an officer for her school's National Honor Society and a member of both the varsity tennis and track and field teams. She also volunteers at her church for Peer Leadership Program.

"Carlita is a well-rounded and dedicated student," said Commissioner of Education Lucille E. Davy. "She is precisely the type of student we want to recognize, and she is precisely the type of student whose effort should be emulated by students across the state."

Each month, the State Board of Education recognizes a student or group of students from each of the 21 counties in the state.

Last month, the board honored Manny Abreu, a standout student-athlete and senior at Union Hill High School in Hudson County.

For more information, please contact the Department of Education Public Information Office at (609) 292-1126.