Remick, Nakasone, Faucher honored as Students of Month

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The Perris Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Menifee Valley Chamber of Commerce recently honored Students of the Month at area high schools. 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.

February’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.

Liberty High School’s Student of the Month is Micah Remick. Micah is highly respected by his peers, teachers, and administrators, according to Principal Dr. Erika Tejeda. He was instrumental as a main player in starting the aquatics program at Liberty.

“He is dedicated to empowering other students in the pool who may not have ever had an opportunity to be on the swim team or in water polo,” Dr. Tejeda stated.

Micah shared that he loves helping people and plans to give back to his community for the rest of his life. One life lesson he shared was that there are people around to help you, but you need to help yourself by making sure you put the effort in as well. Micah plans to take this with him as he attends Miramar College, majoring in fire science to become a firefighter/paramedic.

Nahokulani (Hoku) Nakasone is Paloma Valley High School’s February Student of the Month. Hoku is a student athlete who’s been in cross country and track all four years of high school. She is part of Link Crew and AVID, and is also taking multiple AP courses. In addition to her school career, she also takes care of her two younger siblings while her mom works as a nurse in a hospital. With all that she has going on in her life, she has been able to maintain a 4.3 GPA. This is not an easy feat for anyone, let alone for a high school student.

Multiple individuals have commented on Hoku’s selfless character as grateful, humble, positive, kind, caring, and encouraging. “She is the epitome of empathy”, her principal, Julie Blied stated. Hoku plans to pursue her education majoring in biology to become a physician assistant.

Kaylee Faucher is Heritage High School’s Student of the Month. Kaylee embodies all the aspects of Heritage’s LEGACY, but she truly embodies service above self, according to Principal Lindsay Chavez. Kaylee is a member of many organizations on campus because of her giving heart. While she is involved in multiple organizations, one program that is near and dear to her heart is robotics. Kaylee feels her mark in robotics has made a lasting impact on both herself and the peers she has worked with. She shared that she has helped make the program a welcoming environment for students who may not have felt like they belonged.

Kaylee will take all that she’s learned and pursue her education, majoring in architecture to help create affordable and sustainable housing.

Perris High School’s Ariel Avila is February’s Student of the Month. Ariel is a scholar athlete. Not only does she excel in wrestling, but also in her academics. She’s taken multiple AP courses while also maintaining lead MVP in her weight class for wrestling. According to Ariel’s wrestling coach, Jesse Flores, she is one of the most remarkable people he’s ever met.

“She’s very impressive, both on the wrestling mat and in the classroom. I’m lucky to have been able to coach her these last few years,” he said.

Ariel credits Coach Flores for guiding her to become a better person and helping to accomplish the things she’s done. Ariel is not sure where she will be attending college, but she will be majoring in pharmacology. She would like to help develop better medicine for heart patients, along with other illnesses.

Perris Lake High School’s Student of the Month is Jason Lopez. Dealing with social anxiety was near to impossible for Jason. He had quite some difficulty even when he came to Perris Lake, staying within his shell. However, Jason’s mom encouraged him to get involved and to put himself out there just a bit. Jason decided to join ASB and the result was astounding. He excelled socially and academically to the point where he was able to graduate early. Jason credits those at Perris Lake for his success.

“The staff at Perris Lake High School was more than just a teacher, principal, security, staff. They are people who care about us students.” he said.

While not sure on his school choice, Jason does plan to pursue a career in aviation to become a pilot and possibly join the Air Force.
If you wish to learn more about the Student of the Month Program, please contact founder Sally Myers at 951-506-8024.