Chambers of Commerce Honor Students of the Month

From left: Dr. Jonathan Greenberg, superintendent, Perris Union High School District; Lt. Charlie Wilhite, Perris Valley Chamber of Commerce/Riverside County Sheriff’s Department; Simon Tautala, Perris High School; Hadasa Castro, Paloma Valley High School; Cadet Lt. Col. Miguel Lopez, California Military Institute; Cami Burnett, Heritage High School; Dorothy Wolons, CEO, Menifee Valley Chamber of Commerce; Councilman Matt Liesemeyer, City of Menifee; Mayor Pro Tem Tonya Burke and Councilman David Rabb, City of Perris.

The Menifee Valley Chamber of Commerce and Perris Valley Chamber of Commerce recently honored Students of the Month for March in the Perris Unified High School District.

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.

The students and their families attended a breakfast sponsored by the Perris and Menifee 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 Hadasa Castro. Castro started showing leadership qualities early on, according to Principal Don Williamson. It started out with helping other students during her freshman year and has evolved into her senior year.

Castro credits her father for being a big inspiration to her and always encouraging her to do her best and move forward. With that encouragement and that of her art teacher, Ms. Arroyo, Castro was able to start the Art Club on campus and become vice president of Team Calculus. She will be attending Azusa Pacific University and will major in math or science to become a high school teacher, where she plans to help inspire other students.

Heritage High School’s Student of the Month is Cami Burnett. She is one of those students that are a bit quiet but leads by example, according to Principal Julie Zierold. As a scholar-athlete and active student involved in various club activities, she is a role model to her peers and is genuine in her character.

One of the lessons Burnett has learned these last few years of high school is to develop a true appreciation for the amazing people in her life; those who have helped her grow and get through her struggles, specifically with learning to cope with type 1 diabetes. Burnett hasn’t decided between Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and San Diego State, but she plans to become a nutritionist to help others with diabetes.

California Military Institute’s Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Miguel Lopez is March’s Student of the Month. As one of only five cadet lieutenant colonels in the State of California and the first out of CMI, Lopez exemplifies the military aspect of CMI, according to teacher Steve Nichols.

He’s not only in charge of over 900 cadets during morning formation, but also oversees all military events throughout the year. He leads his peers with compassion and understanding. Lopez credits everyone around him, including, family, teachers, and staff for helping him get to where he is today. It’s a far cry from when he first started out as a shy kid who declined his first leadership position. Lopez plans to attend UC Berkley and major in English to become a teacher.

Simon Tautala is Perris High School’s Student of the Month. He embodies all the things that teachers look for in a student, according to his teacher, Debbie Georgianna. As a student-athlete, Tautala's character is what shines the most. He is kind and respectful, not only to his teachers and fellow students but to himself.

The way Tautala displays his work ethic and treats others is indicative to his character. One of the lessons Tautala will take with him to college is to never give up. His love of football and hard team work helped make a momentous year for Perris High. Whether in school or on the field, he always pushes forward. He plans to attend either Azusa Pacific or University of Redlands to major in engineering and then enter the military.

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