Roberts, Orozco are PUHSD Students of the Month

The Perris Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Menifee Valley Chamber of Commerce recently honored local high school Students of the Month for January. 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.

The 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.

Rileigh Roberts is Heritage High School’s Student of the Month. She is in AVID, ASB, and is the captain of her cheer team. In addition, she challenges herself academically with AP courses. According to Principal Lindsay Chavez, Rileigh truly represents the values that Heritage promotes (LEGACY).

“When Rileigh walks around campus, she emanates light and joy, she doesn’t even try,” she said.

Rileigh admits to realizing that there are challenges in trying to balance school, extracurricular activities, work, and home. However, with the amazing support of family and friends, she is able to accomplish her goals. One life lesson she will take with her to college is knowing the difference between self discipline and advocacy.

“While being a respectful student is important, at times it is necessary to advocate for your education,” she said. Rileigh plans to continue on to majoring in forensic psychology.

Paloma Valley High School’s Student of the Month is Celi Orozco. Celi is a very accomplished student. She currently holds a 4.2 GPA while enrolled in AP Calc BC and AP Statistics. On top of that, she’s an exceptional athlete, earning CIF recognition in girls wrestling.

A number of teachers had nothing but positive accolades for Celi. Dr. Jennifer Thomasian, Principal, shared that some of the words that stood out were dedication, integrity, determination, and hard work. Her wrestling coach, Randel Ogawa, described Celi as having grit. Celi shared that these accomplishments have not come easy for her. She has had to push herself through some difficult periods in her life. She also credits her mother for her constant support and encouragement in getting through those challenges. Celi plans to continue her education majoring in biology or biochemistry to pursue a career in forensic pathology.

Perris High School’s Student of the Month is Maya De Santiago. Maya is involved in a number of campus clubs including varsity cheer, Interact, Key Club, and Link Crew. While she loves being a part of all these organizations, her main passion is a part of the JROTC program, where she currently serves as Battalion Commander for over 200 cadets. Maya has been involved in JROTC for all four years of high school. Her JROTC instructor, LTC John Kirkland, shared that Maya was instrumental last year as it was a bit tumultuous rebuilding the program after coming back from Covid.

“She actually stepped up and did stuff the battalion commander wouldn’t normally do,” he said. He added that Maya was mature beyond her years. “She is one of the most mature students that I’ve ever known,” he said.

Maya plans to continue her education, preferably at UC Irvine, majoring in education and minoring in psychology to become an elementary teacher.

California Military Institute’s Karen Moreno-Alvarez is January’s Student of the Month. Karen is currently a Master Sergeant of the S5 Brigade staff. She has attended CMI since the 5th grade and is part of Link Crew, ASB, and yearbook. One of the things that stood out to staff about Karen is her intelligence, honesty, and integrity, just to name a few. Her ROTC instructor, David Sibley, commented that Karen exemplifies the consummate professional.

“Karen is an exceptional example for others to follow,” he said. “She is well respected among subordinates, peers, and superiors,” he added. Karen shared that she had overcome some challenges to get to where she is now and credits her mother for encouraging her and pushing her to do her best. Karen plans to continue her education at a four-year university and enter the criminology program to become a crime scene investigator.