Area high school Students of the Month are honored

Contributed content:

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

November’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 Arturo Romero. Arturo and his family moved to the United States three years ago looking for a better life. Speaking minimal English, he asked to be placed in college courses. Working hard with extra tutoring, making friends with English speaking students, and becoming involved in school activities, Arturo excelled in his English. His passion for engineering manifested itself through the competitions he has participated in, including one in Korea in which he placed second against other high school and college level students.

Arturo expressed his thanks to his parents and the sacrifices they made for their children’s education. Arturo hopes to attend California Institute of Technology (Caltech) to enter into their aerospace engineering program, eventually working his way into the NASA program to become an astronaut.

Heritage High School’s Stephanie Girard is November’s Student of the Month. Stephanie has been a member of Heritage’s FFA program all four years and currently heads the Menifee FFA Chapter. Throughout her involvement, Stephanie shared how she has grown and learned beyond the care of animals and is thankful for this opportunity.

“This organization has shown me what it is to be a leader and team worker. It has shown me what I want to do with my future,” she said.

Her teacher, Stephanie Hunter, commented on her character and maturity.

“She’s the absolute most caring person. She doesn’t need the spotlight, and I think that’s a true characteristic of a great leader,” she said.

Stephanie plans to attend San Joaquin Valley College to study veterinary technology to become a veterinarian.

Hayden Hendricks is Liberty High School’s November Student of the Month. Hayden embodies what the HERD is (Honorable, Exemplary, Respectful, Determined) and is involved in multiple activities. According to Principal Dr. Erika Tejeda, Hayden is well respected by his peers and is known to go above and beyond, not just for his fellow students, but for staff as well.

“He encourages students, he uplifts them, and he’s just so honest and charismatic with everyone, even when I don’t want to hear it,” she said.

Hayden does not take his education lightly and will take the lessons he’s learned with him after high school. He’s currently in the Business Pathway and plans to attend Riverside Community College to study and learn welding and plans to open his own shop.

California Military Institute’s Student of the Month is Fatima Serna. Fatima has made quite an impact during her time at CMI. Being the eldest of immigrant parents, Fatima shared her struggles early in her education. She then poured herself into learning, studying (often late into the night), and finding the courage to seek help from her teachers. Her commitment has paid off as she currently holds a 4.125 GPA and will be the first in her family to not only graduate high school but also attend college. This is very important to Fatima as she recognizes what her parents have done for their family.

“This is not just a personal accomplishment, it is the spirit of my family and their sacrifices,” she said.

Fatima plans to attend San Diego State University majoring in kinesiology to become a physical therapist.

Jaylah Coulter is Perris High School’s Student of the Month. Jaylah has been involved in a wide variety of programs at Perris High. From sports to ASB, to FAA, she is ultra active and still maintains a 4.2 GPA. Jaylah shared her struggles dealing with ADHD as a child, being placed in a classroom with a teacher that didn’t understand what she was dealing with. However, she was transferred to another class where the teacher took the time with Jaylah transforming her into the person she is today.

As a result of her experience, Jaylah has decided to become a third grade teacher to help other kids like herself have a safe and positive place to learn. She plans on attending either San Diego State or Cal Poly San Luis Obispo to major in liberal studies and elementary education.

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