Chambers Recognize Area Students of the Month

From left: Dr. Jonathan Greenberg, Superintendent, Perris Union High School District; Michelle Runnells, Menifee Valley Chamber of Commerce; William Hull, Paloma Valley High School; Anthony Young, Perris High School; Cadet Sgt. Corey Ver Planck, California Military Institute; Gabriela Ordonez, Heritage High School; Councilman John Denver, City of Menifee; and Councilman Elect Mark Yarbrough, City of Perris.

The Menifee Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Perris Valley Chamber of Commerce recently recognized high school Students of Month, who were nominated by their teachers and staff at their respective school sites and were 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.

Heritage High School’s Student of the Month is Gabriela Ordonez. Gabriela represents the best at Heritage High School, according to Assistant Principal Tate Burns. She embodies the whole student with high academics, sports, and extracurricular activities. Gabriela’s teacher, Ms. Huerta, stated that Gabby was a phenomenal student, balancing everything on her plate and maintaining her exceptional grades. She recently demonstrated her abilities by taking the lead on the Thanksgiving food drive and organizing all aspects of the project. Gabriela shared that she enjoys helping others and contributing to her community. She plans to attend San Diego State or UC San Diego and major in either physiology or psychology.

Perris High School’s Anthony Young took a difficult situation and turned that experience around to become a highly respected role model to other students. According to Assistant Principal Erika Tejeda-VanRensburg, Anthony spent time at the alternative education school. Since he’s been back at Perris High, he has taken what he’s learned and uses that to now mentor other students who are struggling and need a strong male role model in their life. Anthony shared that he loves helping other students to achieve their goals, as he also wants to be someone who succeeds in life. He plans to become a registered nurse, like other members of his family, and then enter the Air Force.

Cadet Sgt. Corey Ver Planck is California Military Institute’s Student of the Month. Corey embodies all the characteristics of an exceptional student and leader at CMI, according to Principal Michael Rhodes. He is a well recognized and respected leader on campus. His heart for young people has earned him a reputation of often being called upon by other teachers to help push and motivate younger students. Along with helping other students, Corey has a heart for service. One of his greatest contributions to CMI is his love of community service proven by the countless he has put in. Corey will take his lessons with him as he prepares to enter the U.S. Marine Corps in June.

Paloma Valley High School’s Student of the Month is William Hull. William epitomizes the all-around student with exceptional grades and involvement in multiple school activities. According to Assistant Principal Celeste Migliaccio, one of William’s teachers stated that they would teach until they were 80 if they had a classroom full of Wills. This is a testament to his hard work and never quit attitude. William shared that he didn’t think he was smarter than anyone else, he just knows he works hard and credits his dad for instilling those values early on. William will attend Oregon State on an ROTC scholarship and graduate as an officer with the Navy.

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