PUHSD honors September Students of the Month

Pictured are September’s Students of the Month and local officials: Councilman Greg August, City of Menifee; Judy White, Ed.D., Riverside County Superintendent of Schools; Zaul Tenorio, Perris High School; Stacy Bencomo, California Military Institute; Dayra Lael Sanchez, Heritage High School; Ricardo Herzog-Balderas, Paloma Valley High School; and Grant Bennett, Superintendent, Perris Union High School District.

The Menifee Valley Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Perris Valley Chamber of Commerce kicked off the 2017-2018 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 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 Dayra Lael Sanchez. Dayra currently holds a 4.63 GPA and is in the running for valedictorian. "Dayra is about service and helping others," according to Principal Frank Arce. One of her biggest legacies that she will leave Heritage is the Patriot Olympics. She spearheads this huge event involving hundreds of students and staff in the spirit of competition to help raise funds for various clubs. Her teacher, Doug Fairchild, shared that Dayra is also one of 15 athletes out of 600 schools to be recognized by CIF as an Exceptional Student.

Dayra is also one of 3,000 students across the United States that is a Questbridge Scholar. Fairchild commented that he has never seen a more dedicated and disciplined student. Dayra shared that coming to the United States as an 8-year old was very difficult. However, she is very thankful for the hard work and sacrifices that her parents made for the opportunity to have a better life for their children. Dayra plans to attend an Ivy League college to major in political science and become a lawyer to help change immigration policies.

Ricardo Herzog-Balderas is Paloma Valley High School’s Student of the Month. Ricardo currently holds a 4.3 GPA and has maintained position in the top 25 of his class throughout his high school career. He is currently the Battalion Commander for NJROTC and oversees 220 cadets. According to his teacher, MSgt. Frank Puebla, Ricardo displays a great ability to interact with his cadets. "He shows compassion and kindness while also teaching them and encouraging them," he said.

Ricardo also serves as the chaplain/lay leader for the battalion. Along with his responsibilities in NJROTC, Ricardo is involved in Link Crew, Key Club, SALT Team (Student Administration Leader Team), and the Harry Potter Club. Ricardo said one of the significant life lessons he will take with him to college, and beyond, is that it’s not important how much you know but how far you can take it. "It’s not about your circumstances, it’s about what you do regardless of the circumstances," he said. He plans to take that mindset with him as he applies to the Naval Academy and becoming a Marine. A major goal Ricardo has is to someday become the President of the United States. He realizes that it is not an easy goal, but with the right dedication and hard work it is attainable.

California Military Institute’s Stacy Bencomo was also honored as a Student of the Month. According to Principal Michael Rhodes, Stacy epitomizes the "I can" spirit at CMI. Throughout her life, Stacy has had to face obstacles with others telling her she can’t do something based on her background or culture. She took that challenge and turned it around to not only accomplishing her goals, but surpassing others in the process.

Stacy learned early on that life wasn’t easy and she has had to work very hard to be successful in her education. Some of that success has become more evident in that not only is she Student of the Month, but she will also be the opening speaker for the Riverside County Office of Education Equity in Excellence conference along with introducing County Superintendent Dr. Judy White. She is also nominated to be the Cadet of the Year for the 163 ATKW (Attack Wing) at March ARB. Stacy wants to help others reach their full potential as well. She is applying to several colleges but hopes to attend Cal State University Maritime Academy to further her education to become a doctor and return to help those in her own community.

Perris High School’s Student of the Month is Zaul Tenorio. It is unique to have a special needs student recognized as Student of the Month. However, Zaul has overcome an extraordinary amount of obstacles and has persevered to become an all-around productive student at Perris High School and thus being recognized for his accomplishments. According to his Principal, Juan Santos, in spite of having his issues, Zaul is a very active participant in various activities that have both challenged and helped him grow. He has been involved in the Panther Sports Challenge for his entire high school career. This is a major Special Olympics event that not only involves the entire Perris High School community, but Heritage High School and Paloma Valley High School as well.

Zaul is in his second year of JROTC and has taken a leadership role in ASB. In addition to his school activities, he also takes time to help his fellow special needs students when needed and helps staff with whatever task they need done. His teacher, Rachel Post, said that what some people do not know is that Zaul is an extremely gifted artist. After Zaul graduates from high school, he will be in a Workability program for adult students that will prepare him for future employment and the opportunity to give back to his community.

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