Chambers of Commerce Honor PUHSD Students of Month

From left: George Mills, Menifee Valley Chamber of Commerce; Tim Moore, Perris Valley Chamber of Commerce and local VFW Post 888; Isabel Casas, Paloma Valley High School; Marilyn Madrid, California Military Institute; Isabel Cervantes, Heritage High School; Noemi Zuniga, Perris High School; Grant Bennett, Superintendent, Perris Union High School District; Councilman John Denver, City of Menifee.

The Perris Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Menifee Valley Chamber of Commerce kicked off the 2018-2019 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.

Perris High School’s Student of the Month is Noemi Zuniga. Despite moving 14 times in the last 12 years, Noemi has managed to maintain high grades to become one of the top students at Perris High. One of those moves included living in Mexico for five years. This presented a challenge for Noemi as she did not know the Spanish language. However, as she immersed herself in the language and culture, she soon discovered a passion for helping others through her experience. That passion has manifested itself into her daily life as she strives to help and encourage other students to participate in class.

Noemi shared that she gets her inspiration from her mother, who is a nurse, and has seen the sacrifices she’s made to help make a better life for her children. Noemi plans to continue her education in the study of medicine and plans to become a neurologist.

California Military Institute’s Marilyn Madrid is September’s Student of the Month. As a child growing up on a farm, Marilyn had experienced bullying and some economic challenges. However, that has not stopped her from pursuing her education. She places so much emphasis on her academics that it has become a passion for her.

Marilyn shared that at one time, education was the only thing motivating her when facing adversities. Not only are her academics important, but she is also involved in various extracurricular activities including sports, ASB, and is president of the Math Club. She is grateful for the support she’s received at CMI.

"This school and this community have shaped me into the person I am today. It has been the largest contribution to my success," she said.

While she is not sure of her profession yet, Marilyn will double major in mathematics and computer engineering and plans to return to the community to help students and families attain higher education.

Maria Isabel Cervantes Diaz is Heritage High School’s Student of the Month. She is a leader on campus and is actively involved in a number of clubs and organizations. However, according to Principal Frank Arce, what’s most impressive is that she placed at proficient levels in both English and Math on the State testing. This is after only being in the United States for two years.

Isabel shared that it was a challenge for her to adopt to new environments and learning a new language. However, giving up has never been an option for her, as she thinks about the sacrifices her parents made in order to provide a better life for their family. As a result of Isabel’s own experiences, she helps other students by befriending, encouraging, and helping them with their own transitions into a new school and culture. Isabel plans to further her education at Cal State San Bernardino and become an orthodontist.

Paloma Valley High School’s Student of the Month is Isabel Casas. Isabel is currently No. 3 in her class and holds a 4.3 GPA. She is involved in a number of a school organizations including Interact, CSF, NHS, Youth Advisory among others. She is also a Peer College Counselor and helps other students fill out their college applications.

Coming into the United States as a young child, Isabel initially struggled to learn the English language. However, she took the initiative to excel in her education and has now become an advocate for other students who normally would not apply for college. Her passion to help others comes from her dream to finish what her parents started many years ago and is determined to not see their sacrifices go in vain. Isabel plans to continue her education at UCLA or Cal Berkeley majoring in developmental psychology and social work to work with children.

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