McIntosh, Villegas honored as Students of Month

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The Perris Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Menifee Valley Chamber of Commerce kicked off the 2022-2023 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.

Paloma Valley High School’s Student of the Month is Braydon McIntosh. As all-around students go, Braydon captures all of the characteristics that qualify for this title. He currently holds over a 4.0 GPA, is part of the varsity cheer squad, and is a member of the PLUS group (Peer Leaders Uniting Students). This is a campus organization whose mission is to spread kindness to others.

According to Braydon’s English teacher, Melinda McCulloch, Braydon is a natural leader.

“The same energy he brings on the sidelines at games, he brings to every aspect of his life, and to everyone he meets.” she said.

Braydon shared that he has learned many things throughout his high school career. One lesson he will take with him to college is that hard work and perseverance will pay off if he gives it his all. Braydon will be attending Fresno State University on a softball student manager scholarship while pursuing a psychology degree.

Heritage High School’s Student of the Month is Mary Villegas. Mary is a four-year AVID student, is a member of NHS and CSF, and currently holds a 4.0 GPA. With all of her academic achievements, Mary has had to overcome some challenges in her life. One of those challenges is dealing with social anxiety and the fear of public speaking. Mary shared that she always felt that in order to attain success, you had to endure what life throws at you and deal with it on your own. However, through the support of others, she’s learned that it’s OK to ask for help and embrace that support.

“I’m fortunate to now have such a strong support system of friends, loved ones, teachers, and other peers who encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and achieve whatever I put my mind to,” she said.

She will take what she’s learned with her to college, where she plans on majoring in microbiology to become a clinical lab scientist.

California Military Institute’s Brianna Marin is September’s Student of the Month. Brianna is another all-around student who has gained the attention of CMI’s administration and staff. She is involved in numerous campus organizations and activities such as School Site Council, Youth Advisory Committee, and sports. She has taken a number of AP courses along with dual enrollment, for which she is receiving college credits, all while maintaining a 4.3 GPA. Brianna shared that she credits her success in overcoming many obstacles. She realizes everyone goes through them, but it's how we process those challenges that build our character.

“Obstacles are a natural part of life,” she said.

As humans, we are good at adapting and she views these obstacles as opportunities instead. Brianna hopes to gain acceptance into a VSMB program at a four-year university and then medical schoolm where she plans on pursuing a career as a pediatrician.

Abigail Nering is Perris High School’s Student of the Month. Abigail has had a number of accomplishments under her belt during her high school career. As a freshman, Abigail created an app called Molly Motivates, which gets people motivated to work on their social well being. As a sophomore, she participated in the Perris Rotary speech competition and won a $500 scholarship. Abigail has been a member of FFA all four years of high school and is involved in ASB. With all of these activities, Abigail has been able to maintain a 4.2 GPA.

Abigail shared a bit about having to deal with social anxiety, but also working through those challenges to achieve her goals. She often returns to her own life lesson that she will carry with her in the future.

“Remember the why and finish strong. Remember what your goal is and set your intentions.” she said.

Abigail plans to continue her education at UCLA to obtain her nursing degree and become a traveling nurse.

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