Sisson, Logan, Tamm named PUHSD Students of Year

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The Perris Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Menifee Valley Chamber of Commerce recently honored Students of the Year at each high school in the Perris Union High School District. 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.

Students competed in a vigorous scholarship application process that included two essay questions and each winner received a $3,000 scholarship donated by community organizations and businesses. They also received many gifts and certificates also donated by local businesses, organizations, and dignitaries. Students shared from their heart what it meant to receive this award and expressed their thanks and appreciation from family and the community.

Paloma Valley High School’s Student of the Year is Elsie Sisson. Elsie has been the recipient of multiple awards by the end of her senior year. According to Paloma Valley Principal Julie Blied, the recognition spoke volumes about Elsie’s character.

“She’s a three-sport athlete. She can be out there to be a competitor and also be the kindest person at the same time. She’s the epitome of what we want our student athletes to be,” Blied said.

Elsie has been involved in many different activities throughout her life, including Girl Scouts and the Youth Leaders of Menifee. Elsie shared that being a part of and participating in her community has made a positive impact on her just by meeting different people from different backgrounds and interacting with them. She plans to continue that mindset as she attends Haverford College, majoring in biochemistry on a pre-med track to become a pediatrician.

Heritage High School’s Student of the Year is Mariah Logan. Mariah is described as an outstanding scholar, athlete, and overall human being. Her basketball coach, Deanna Meijer, said that Mariah had presence, personality, leadership, and hard work ethics and she will surely be missed. Mariah shared how grateful she was for the opportunities she’s had, especially learning to have more empathy for others. She’s experienced this first-hand while volunteering at Loma Linda Medical Center, learning essential tasks and understanding the functions of equipment used for patient care.

“Believing in the power of empathy has taught me to truly see others, recognizing that we never really comprehend someone else’s experiences,” she said.

Mariah will be majoring in biology at UC San Diego to pursue a career as a cardiothoracic surgeon.

Morgan Tamm is Liberty High School’s first Student of the Year. Morgan has the unique privilege of being the first at Liberty. She is part of the first graduating class, the first Student of the Year, the first Hall of Famer for leadership, among other firsts. According to her principal, Dr. Erika Tejeda, Morgan has been the backbone and bloodline at Liberty and has helped shape the culture and traditions for years to come.

Being previously homeschooled, Morgan developed a passion for connecting with others. Her love of photography and passion to work with different people led her to complete over 300 hours of community service, mostly taking photographs at different school and community events, again making those connections. Morgan plans to continue those passions as she attends San Diego State University, studying Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing and Communication.

California Military Institute’s Fatima Serna is Student of the Year. Fatima has been serving as CMI’s drum major and has proven to be a leader that is looked up to. She is appreciated and well respected by the cadets and has left a huge impact at CMI. Fatima’s Principal, Dr. Nicholas Milosavljevic, expressed his admiration for her leadership abilities.

“This young lady is the type of leader that gets the job done. But also, people feel good about being under her leadership because she’s the type of leader who supports you when you’re down,” he said.

Fatima credits her parents’ resilience, determination, and unwavering support in helping her to navigate through the military side of school and the education system.

“They are my motivation and I am extremely grateful to have them in my life,” she stated.

Fatima plans to continue her education at UC Los Angeles to become a sports physical therapist, preferably with the LA Dodgers.

Jaylah Coulter is Perris High School’s Student of the Year. As a child with ADHD, Jaylah has overcome quite a bit to get to where she is now. Graduating with a 4.2 GPA has demonstrated her perseverance and tenacity towards accomplishing her goals. Jaylah’s principal, Juan Santos, spoke on the drive and determination she has.

“If there’s one word that I can use to describe her, it’s purpose,” he said.

All through high school Jaylah has had a purpose in everything she did. Whether it was FFA, ASB, or sports, she’s shown a passion in her activities and education. She is now using that same passion to go forward and to help others succeed in their own way.

Jaylah will be following in her family’s footsteps and becoming a third-generation educator. She plans to attend UC San Diego continuing her education to become an elementary school teacher.

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