Lockheed Federal Credit Union (LFCU) recognized Valencia High sophomore Riley Reiss as the recipient of its Student of the Month Award for September.

He has been selected because of his overall performance, including academic accomplishments, extra curricular activities and leadership abilities."It greatly pleases me to see students who are committed to improving school and community relations. Rileyis definitely an exemplary student who demonstrates this commitment," said Valencia High Counselor Joshua Nowak, who nominated Reiss.Reiss holds a 3.33 GPA with grades of a B and higher in college-prep courses, and is a member of Valencia High's Safe School Ambassador program. He is also a news anchor on Valencia High's VTV announcement system.

In his spare time, he practices Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He has been an incredible asset to the student-led programs at Valencia High School, Nowak said.As a second-year member of the high school's peer education program, STRIVE (Students Teaching Respect, Inclusion, Values, and Equality), Reiss has been exceptionally helpful with training new members and has perfected his presentation skills.

He also performs magic and leads magic seminars at the Magic Castle in Hollywood.Reiss was recognized by the William S. Hart School District Board for his efforts in improving school and community relations.

Last year, he was also a prince on the Winter Formal Court. He is also a Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership candidate.The Student of the Month program recognizes one high school students from the William S. Hart district who demonstrates strong academic achievement, leadership traits and participates in extra curricular or community-related activities.

Selected students receive a cash award of $250 and recognition in district publications. LFCU partnered with the William S. Hart district to launch the Student of the Month program in 2005.During the academic year, the Student of the Month program recognizes one high school student each month. School administrators or faculty nominate students based on overall performance, including academic accomplishments, extra curricular activities, leadership, and other notable experiences.

More than 9,000 Lockheed Federal Credit Union members are residents of the Santa Clarita Valley, where Lockheed Federal Credit Union (LFCU) operates three branches: Valencia Bouquet Canyon, Valencia Town Center and Stevenson Ranch. In 2006 and 2007, Santa Clarita residents selected LFCU as the best credit union in the area, as reported by the Santa Clarita Valley Living Magazine.LFCU recently received a five-star rating - the highest possible - from Bauer Financial, a source for unbiased, independent bank and credit union star ratings. The five-star rating validates that LFCU is safe, financially sound and operating well above its regulatory capital requirements.Chartered in 1937, LFCU has more than 100,000 members. Membership is open to Southern California residents of more than 200 sponsor companies. Deposits in LFCU are federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration. LFCU is an equal housing lender.

For more information about LFCU, visit www.lfcu.com.