Brisa Perkins, Spencer Eyre are Students of the Month

Front row: Aurora Dye, Perris Lake High School; Spencer Eyre, Heritage High School; Brisa Perkins, Paloma Valley High School; and Enrique De Los Santos, Perris High School. Back row: Sally Myers, Founder; Grant Bennett, Superintendent, Perris Union High School District; Tim Moore, Perris Valley Chamber of Commerce and local VFW Post 888; and John Denver, Menifee Valley Chamber of Commerce.

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The Perris Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Menifee Valley Chamber of Commerce recently honored the December Students of the Month, who 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.

December’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.

Brisa Perkins is Paloma Valley High School’s Student of the Month. Brisa currently holds a 3.97 GPA and takes multiple AP and Honors courses. She also participates in competitive swimming and tennis. While excelling in both athletics and academics, she has also had her challenges, according to Principal Jennifer Thomasian. Earlier in the year, Brisa, along with her family, lost her older brother in a tragic accident. As Brisa was trying to come to terms with losing her brother, her grades began to suffer and she became more isolated and depressed. However, through the strong support system in her family, friends, and staff at Paloma Valley, she was able to regain her passion for school. Even with everything Brisa and her family have gone through, she has never wavered in her goals. She’s not sure which college she will attend yet, but she will be majoring in marine science/biology, microbiology, and immunology to help those with diseases along with protecting the environment.

Heritage High School’s Student of the Month is Spencer Eyre. Spencer currently holds a 4.0 GPA in general education classes and is also fluent in American Sign Language (ASL). What is unique about Spencer is that he has autism. However, he does not let it define who he is and works hard in his academics while also helping and encouraging other students. Spencer shared that one of the legacies he would like to leave behind is to let people know that all students, even those with disabilities, can strive to achieve excellence. Spencer does not allow his autism it to be an excuse for failure but rather an opportunity to excel. According to Principal Erika Tejeda, Spencer takes great pride in his work and always has a positive attitude. He has a love of learning and is a great example to others in his classes. Spencer will continue his education at Mt. San Jacinto College, majoring in ASL and art. He then plans to help with the family business.

Perris Lake High School’s Student of the Month is Aurora Dye. Aurora has faced major challenges to reach the point where she is now. She shared a time when her mother left her and her father and struggled in trying to understand what was happening. During this process her grades began to decline and she became extremely depressed to the point where she tried to take her own life. However, through this experience, she remembered a moment when her father told her to never let anyone take away her happiness. Attending Perris Lake had given her hope through the support of caring teachers and staff. Aurora still has her challenges but now works through them with a smile and the strength she has gained through her experience. Now she helps to encourage others when they are struggling. Aurora plans to continue her education to become an art therapist and help other kids get through their challenges.

Perris High School’s Enrique De Los Santos is December’s Student of the Month. Enrique is an exemplary example of a student athlete, according to Principal Juan Santos. He sees the importance of getting involved in school while keeping up his academics. Enrique has been involved in the AVID program since seventh grade and is currently president of the AVID senior class. A soccer player since the age of 8, he is also an integral part of the varsity soccer team. Enrique shared of the sacrifices his parents made moving from El Salvador to the United States to provide a better life for their family. One life lesson Enrique shared was that high school was hard and there are a lot of awkward moments and bad choices that are made before the right ones are. However, he’s also learned that those experiences have helped him grow as a person, and will take those lessons with him to college. Enrique plans to attend Cal State Long Beach to major in biology and become a physical therapist.

All of these students demonstrated a desire to work hard and have a drive to exceed others and their own expectations. The Perris Valley Chamber and the Menifee Valley Chamber wish them the best in their endeavors. If you wish to learn more about the Student of the Month Program, please contact founder, Sally Myers at 951-506-8024.