Logan, Tamm, Ordiano named Students of the Month

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The Perris Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Menifee Valley Chamber of Commerce recently honored the area high school Students of the Month for 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. This year, we are excited to add our first seniors from our newest campus, Liberty High School.

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.

Heritage High School’s Student of the Month is Mariah Logan. Mariah is the epitome of an all-around student. She currently holds a 4.6 GPA and is involved in numerous activities, including captain of the varsity girls basketball team, vice president of Asian Culture Club, treasurer of National Honors Society, along with other organizations.

In addition, she volunteers in the community, mainly at the Menifee Library and most recently at Loma Linda Medical Center in Murrieta. According to her basketball coach, Deanna Meijer, Mariah has always maintained a high level of work ethic, both on the court and in the classroom, and sees her as a hope for the next generation. Mariah plans to continue her education at a four-year university and then transfer into medical school to become a cardiovascular surgeon.

Liberty High School’s very first Student of the Month is Morgan Tamm. As part of the Bison HERD, the guiding principles under this acronym are Honorable, Exemplary, Respectful, Determined. Morgan embodies all of these, and more. She is one of three ASB presidents and is the official photographer for varsity football and unofficial photographer for everything else.

Liberty Principal Dr. Erika Tejeda shared that when you build a new school, you have to build a new culture, community, sense of belonging, and a place where everybody feels welcome. Morgan has single-handedly done that with her tireless dedication to making sure every person on campus feels seen through her passion for photography. Morgan plans to expand on her skills by attending UC San Diego to major in marketing and advertising.

Andrew Ordiano is Paloma Valley’s September Student of the Month. Andrew was nominated by seven teachers. This shows what an extraordinary student he is, from a scholar athlete on the varsity wrestling team since freshman year and, academically, as part of Paloma’s biomedical program. This opportunity allowed him to be able to participate in a summer surgical program at UCI School of Medicine.

His teacher, Melody Lee, explained that Andrew has always been very thoughtful and insightful. “His focus is long term. He wasn’t trying to get through a course, he was training,” she said. Andrew has applied to several colleges, Duke being one of them. He plans to major in biology, then transfer to medical school to pursue his education as a cardiovascular surgeon.

Perris High School’s Charles Ferguson, Jr. is September’s Student of the Month. Charles has gained the attention of staff and students at Perris High through his passion and positive attitude in everything he does. He is involved in ASB as Director of Athletics and is active in the medical pathway program. In addition, Charles has been involved in sports all four years of high school including, basketball, track, and cross country.

According to his teacher, Anieno Ibekwe, Charles is exceptional, but it goes beyond that. “Charles is great at academics, sports, and everything he does. But he was nominated not because of the above, but because he is kind, especially the way he relates to other students and teachers,” she stated. Charles plans on moving to Idaho to attend either Boise State or Idaho State University to study kinesiology.

Omar Macias is California Military Institute’s Student of the Month. Omar has distinguished himself academically and currently holds a 4.196 GPA. He is always committed to academic excellence and is a positive role model to his peers. In addition, he is an S2 medic on campus, providing support and assistance where needed, especially at athletic events.

Omar shared that his biggest influence has been his mom. She became a single parent when he was 7 and he has seen her strength and courage as she worked hard to raise him and his two siblings. “I learned some invaluable lessons of hard work and the significance of determination,” he said. Omar further shared that the struggles that he endured as a child have caused him to pursue his education in law. Omar hopes to attend UCLA, majoring in political science, and further his education to become a civil lawyer.

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