Menifee & Perris Valley Chambers of Commerce Present September High School Students of the Month

Pictured left to right: Sally Myers, Founder; Dr. Jonathan Greenberg, Superintendent, Perris Union High School District; Cadet Captain Ashley Acosta, California Military Academy; Brendon Cocom, Perris High School; Robert Troy Anderson, Heritage High School;Mayor Daryl Busch, City of Perris; Bill Rawlings, City Manager, City of Menifee. Not pictured, Kiara McIntosh, Paloma Valley High School.

We blink and already the summer is over, autumn is impending, and school is fully in session. Students are studying away zero to sixth period once again, which means the high school Students of the Month Program is ready to roll, too.

The Menifee Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Perris Valley Chamber of Commerce recently handed out the first round of 2012-2013 Student of the Month awards to students who are already shining in the classroom. Students are nominated by their teachers and staff at their respective high school campuses based on an exemplary demonstration of character, integrity, love of learning, ability to persevere and overcome challenging circumstances, community service, and how they make a difference at their schools.

Each month, the selected students and their families are invited to attend a luncheon hosted by the Menifee and Perris Chambers of Commerce. Local businesses, organizations, and key individuals including high school principals and teachers also attend the ceremony and offer support to the Students of the Month.

Paloma Valley High School: Kiara McIntosh

According to her teacher, Allison King, Kiara embodies everything a Student of the Month should be excelling in: Academics, athletics, and character. Not only is she always ready to learn, but she exemplifies her determination with an admirable humility. She is a Sunbelt League champion and the first CIF champion in the 800-meter run in Paloma Valley’s history.

In true Kiara modesty, she credits her family, friends, and teachers for helping her reach success. She plans to continue her education at either UCLA or UCR next year.

Perris High School: Brendon Cocom

Principal Dr. Lynne Sheffield describes Brendon as a silent leader with a powerful impact. Aside from his involvement in academic organizations, his passion for writing has led him to write and publish his first book, Ninja Kifo.

His teacher, Ryan Hays, depicts Brendon as kind, loyal, and determined, with a deep curiosity for continued learning. Brendon is currently looking to attend Stanford, UC San Diego, or UC Santa Cruz and plans to earn his Masters in Computer Science.

California Military Institute (CMI): Cadet Captain Ashley Acosta

Captain Acosta has been the Senior Cadet since her sophomore year and is the Brigade Commander for CMI and several other military schools in Southern California. Ashley shared that when her brother was deployed to Afghanistan last year, it made her more determined to work harder and do more to be a positive influence to others.

Ashley has not decided where she will be attending college but she plans to obtain both a medical and engineering degree.

Heritage High School: Robert Troy Anderson

According to Assistant Principal Lynn Menius, Robert truly embodies the school’s leadership, excellence, generosity, academics, character, opportunity qualities. He shared that he is inspired by his father, Pastor Scott Anderson, and wants his life to glorify God. Robert plans to attend Master’s College to become a pastor.

If you wish to learn more about the Student of the Month Program, contact founder Sally Myers at 951-506-8024.