Ochoa, Lin among PUHSD Students of the Month

Left to right: Sally Myers, Founder; Tim Moore, Perris Valley Chamber of Commerce / VFW Post 888 Commander; Kai Lin, Paloma Valley High School; Jose Moreno, California Military Institute; Julian Lopez, Perris High School; Daniel Ochoa, Heritage High School; Mayor Neil Winter, City of Menifee; and Mayor Pro Tem Malcolm Corona, City of Perris.

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The Menifee Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Perris Valley Chamber of Commerce recently honored Students of the Month for January in the Perris Union 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.

January’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 Daniel Ochoa. Daniel is a prime example of a student overcoming obstacles and succeeding. After struggling at a charter school, Daniel returned to Heritage, knowing he now had the appropriate support needed to succeed in his classes. Although Daniel doesn’t participate in extracurricular activities, he works hard after school with his own business and also working with his father. One of the biggest life lessons that Daniel will take with him to college is to be kind and respectful to others as it has been shown to him. Daniel plans to join the firefighters explorers and is also interested in welding school.

Paloma Valley High School’s Student of the Month is Kai Lin. Kai exudes positivity and encouragement in everything he does at Paloma Valley, according to principal Jennifer Thomasian. He has taken a number of AP courses and is captain of the tennis team, all while overcoming some difficult obstacles in his life. He came to the United States as a young sixth grader, having to learn a new language and culture. Then, when he recently turned 18, he found himself homeless. He did not let this deter him from obtaining his education and continues to encourage others to pursue their dreams. Kai plans to continue his education to become a professional chef.

Perris High School’s Julian Lopez is January’s Student of the Month. Julian currently holds a 4.3 GPA and is captain of his cross country team. According to his engineering teacher and cross country coach, Mr. Corona, Julian is an example of what is best in a student. He is driven, smart, and persistent in his goals, as demonstrated by his team bringing the league championship home to Perris High this year. What is amazing about this young man is that Julian has succeeded in his goals all while dealing with the passing of his father. Julian shared that one of the things his father valued was education, which Julian has taken to heart and will carry throughout his educational career. Julian plans to attend either UC Berkeley or UC Davis to major in environmental engineering.

Jose Moreno is California Military Institute’s (CMI) Student of the Month. Jose is one of the most mature, responsible, and affable students at CMI, according to principal Michael Rhodes. His involvement in Link Crew has not only provided him the opportunity to be a mentor to other students, but to express himself by taking on a leadership role as well. Jose shared that he was very grateful for his opportunities at CMI. His contribution working with Link Crew goes beyond not just helping out, but being able to build others up as future leaders. Jose plans to enter the Air Force after graduation and is looking forward to serving his country.

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