Perris Union HS District Honors Students of Month

Left to right: Sally Myers, Founder; Dr. Jonathan Greenberg, Superintendent, Perris Union High School District; Siena Allnutt, Paloma Valley High School; Emily Hamblin, Perris High School; Vianney Munoz, California Military Institute; Raymond Acosta, Heritage High School; Councilman John Denver, City of Menifee; Mayor Pro Tem Mark Yarbrough, City of Perris.

The Menifee Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Perris Valley Chamber of Commerce kicked off the 2014-2015 Student of the Month program in September. The students are nominated by their teachers and staff at their respective school sites and are chosen for their character, integrity, love of learning, ability to persevere and overcome challenging circumstances, community service, and how they make a difference on their high school campus.

September’s students and their families attended a breakfast sponsored by the Menifee and Perris Chambers of Commerce along with local businesses and organizations. Principals and teachers from each high school shared stories about the students and they each received certificates of recognition, numerous gifts, congratulations and encouragement from local, county, state and federal dignitaries.

Paloma Valley High School’s Student of the Month is Siena Allnutt. According to Principal Don Williamson, quite a number of teachers nominated Siena, which shows what an impact she has made at Paloma Valley.

Siena is an outspoken leader and embodies what a great student should look like, according to her AP teacher, Ms. McNicholas, and she does it with grace and humility. Siena shared that it has been a bit difficult going through school. There were many times that she was bullied due to her speech impediment. However, she had learned not to take the words to heart and has since become stronger for it.

Siena is looking to attend San Diego State or UC Riverside. She plans to enter the medical field after graduation.

Heritage High School’s Student of the Month is Raymond Acosta. Raymond was nominated by numerous teachers to be Student of the Month, said Principal Julie Zierold. Raymond is described as an amazing student. Zierold shared her observations of Raymond at a recent AVID junior trip in the way he worked with, and among, his peers, and also how hardworking and humble he is.

Raymond shared that one of the most significant contributions he’s made in the community is to the Menifee Valley Community Cupboard. It is also where he has learned the value of helping others. Raymond plans to attend either UC San Diego or Stanford to receive his degree in electrical engineering and coming back with those skills to continue helping in his community.

Perris High School’s Emily Hamblin is September’s Student of the Month. Emily has set the bar quite high for other Students of the Month to follow, according to Principal Nick Hilton. She exemplifies passion, leadership, and commitment in everything she does, especially with regard to the Future Farmers of America (FFA), where she holds a number of positions at the school, county, and State levels.

Emily shared that she is very passionate about FFA and one of her greatest experiences has been interning at the Rutledge Farm in Colorado over the summer. This experience has impacted her so much that she plans to attend Colorado State University to major in animal and agricultural sciences and possibly return to Perris to teach.

Vianney Munoz is California Military Institute’s Student of the Month. According to Michael Rhodes, Principal/Commandant, Vianney exhibits superior character quality traits that are often not seen in some youth today. In addition to her Battalion Commander position, she is involved in ASB, sports, and other activities, all while maintaining a 4.5 GPA.

Vianney thanked everyone who has supported her, including Ms. Scibilia, who taught her to always think positively and to persevere through the difficult times. Vianney shared that the biggest lesson she will take from high school is that being the best or number one isn’t everything but it’s all about the team effort and what she gives back to her family, her school, and her community. Vianney plans to attend Stanford University to study law and become a defense attorney.

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