Contributed content:
City officials and school administrators from the cities of Menifee and Perris gathered recently to honor the November Students of the Month at schools in the Perris Union High School District.
The event was hosted by the Perris Valley Chamber of Commerce and Menifee Valley Chamber of Commerce. 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.
Maylin A. Sanders – Heritage High School
Heritage High School recognized Maylin Sanders as their November Student of the Month.
Principal Jose Topete shared that he had been hearing about Maylin’s remarkable abilities long before her nomination. Last year, she earned both the state and county recognition for a powerful mental-health awareness film she created. When staff submitted nominations this year, Maylin’s name rose quickly to the top. “I received many, many recommendations for Maylin,” Topete said. “I could not wait for this moment. She is truly deserving.”
Maylin expressed heartfelt gratitude to her family, her coach Mrs. Burns, her film teacher Mr. Kalantar, and the HHS community for their support. She shared her journey of discovering her passions in high school such as dance and filmmaking and the courage it took to pursue dreams in competitive, unpredictable fields. She spoke candidly about doubt, perseverance, and the empowerment surrounding oneself with people who believe in you. Maylin plans to pursue a career in dance while majoring in film at UCLA.
Her dance coach, Hope Burns, praised Maylin’s extraordinary artistic range and maturity. She described meeting Maylin as a freshman, already brimming with talent, creativity, and presence. Burns highlighted Maylin’s ability to not only perform exceptionally but also choreograph with intuition and purpose. “She is dynamic, confident, and fearless,” Burns said. “Her professionalism, leadership, and humility set her apart. Everything she touches turns to gold.”
Maylin’s mother, Martina Sanders, offered emotional remarks as she reflected on her daughter’s lifelong love of music, dance, and storytelling. She shared memories of Maylin dancing before she was even fully awake and spoke of her daughter’s compassion, strong values, and natural leadership. Martina also noted her daughter’s influence using film to empower others, including her award-winning project, which encourages students to embrace their natural beauty and uniqueness. “Maylin is beautiful inside and out,” she said. “I am proud of the young woman she has become.”
Olivia V. Carlon – Liberty High School
Liberty High School recognized Olivia V. Carlon as their November Student of the Month.
Principal Erika Rojas shared heartfelt praise for Olivia, noting that her maturity, poise, and quiet confidence have long made her stand out on campus. “Everyone always assumes she’s already a senior,” Rojas joked, “because she carries herself with such grace and leadership.” As president of Liberty’s DACA chapter, Olivia leads meetings with energy and purpose, inspiring her peers through example. “She can outwork anyone,” Rojas added. “She’s the perfect balance of drive and compassion.”
During Olivia’s remarks, she thanked her parents, teachers, and administrators, crediting them for her growth and success. She shared that she began high school intending to stay uninvolved, until her former advisor encouraged her to attend the DACA meeting. That pivotal moment sparked a passion that shaped her entire high school experience. After serving three years as an officer, Olivia now leads the program as president.
Under her leadership, Liberty’s DACA chapter has grown from five members to more than 60, becoming one of the school’s most active student organizations. Olivia holds a 4.2 GPA and plans to pursue a career in education while continuing to inspire students through business and leadership opportunities.
Her Business teacher and DACA advisor, Alejandro Serrato, highlighted Olivia’s extraordinary achievements, including competing at district, state, and international levels. Last year, she traveled to Orlando, Florida, where she competed against 26,000 students from around the world. “She shows dedication, integrity, and excellence in everything she does,” Serrato said. “She is a role model with a strong work ethic and a deep sense of professionalism.”
Olivia’s father, Ricardo Carlon, offered an emotional tribute, sharing that her arrival brought comfort and joy to their family during a time of loss. He described Olivia as thoughtful, hardworking, and driven. “She’s never given me any reason to doubt her,” he said. “She’s awesome, just a great girl.”
Gabriela Sevilla – Paloma Valley High School
Paloma Valley High School recognized Gabriela Sevilla as its Student of the Month.
Principal Dr. Thomas LaRochelle shared that Gabby was an easy choice for the honor, noting that the first four teachers to submit nominations all selected her. “Every teacher wrote that she is kind and humble,” he said. “Those attributes mean more than any grades.” He added that at cross country meets, Gabby stands out not just for her participation, but for the way younger students look up to her. “She’s a quiet leader whose confidence inspires others, even when she doesn’t realize it,” he said.
In her speech, Gabby expressed gratitude to her parents and her teacher mentor, Ms. Maria Schmidt, for supporting her journey. She reflected on how balancing academics, sports, and extracurriculars has shaped her high school experience. Gabby shared that her love for running grew from her mother’s influence and weekend training with her father, while her passion for environmental science was sparked in Ms. Schmidt’s AP Environmental Science class.
Gabby believes her greatest contribution to her school community is her positivity. “A positive mindset can turn a tough test or a bad day into just a small bump in the road,” she said. She emphasized the importance of lifting others up and learning to be forgiving of oneself. They are lessons that have shaped her personal growth.
Looking ahead, Gabby hopes to attend UC Davis to study environmental education, with plans to return to the classroom as a teacher. “I want to make a positive impact on future students’ lives, just like my teachers have done for me,” she said.
Ms. Schmidt described Gabby as an uplifting presence in the classroom. “Her incredible smile is the first thing you notice. She’s humble, supportive, and a wonderful role model,” she said.
Gabby’s father, Leonardo Sevilla, spoke proudly of his daughter’s dedication, optimism, and strong work ethic. “She carries her light everywhere she goes, and we’re incredibly proud of her,” he said.
Adewunmi E. Oderinde – California Military High School
The California Military Institute (CMI) recognized Adewunmi Oderinde as its Student of the Month.
Principal Dr. Michael Dodson praised Adewunmi as “a leader among leaders,” noting that she models excellence through her actions, not her title. She currently serves as a First Sergeant, founded the CMI Debate Club, and manages the girls basketball team.
In her acceptance speech, Adewunmi thanked her family, Coach Sergeant Daniels, Principal Dodson, and especially her favorite teacher, Ms. Cassandra Donnelson, for supporting her throughout high school. She reflected on learning to use her voice, sharing that speaking up has helped her grow more confident and understood. “My voice has power and deserves to be heard,” she said.
Adewunmi, who grew up in Lagos, Nigeria, hopes to attend UCLA and pursue a career as a corporate lawyer, beginning with a bachelor’s degree in marketing.
Her teacher, Ms. Donnelson, spoke glowingly about Adewunmi’s talent and character. She recalled teaching her through multiple levels of Chinese and praised her as one of the most enthusiastic and capable students she’s ever taught. “I always called her the dictionary of the class,” Donnelson said. “She’s outgoing, caring, hardworking, and always helping others. Her nomination is truly well deserved.”
Adewunmi’s mother, Princess, also shared heartfelt words about her daughter’s strength and character. She described her as bold, respectful, and a natural leader, sometimes so much so that she jokes about having to “put her foot down” to keep up. “Your voice is your power,” she told her daughter proudly. “And your voice is your strength.”
The CMI community congratulates Adewunmi “Stephanie” Oderinde for her achievements and her inspiring example of leadership and determination.
Gisselle Rodriguez DeLaTorre – Perris High School
Perris High School Principal Ricardo Garcia-Felix introduced Giselle Rodriguez DeLaTorre as the school’s December Student of the Month.
“Giselle is the kind of student who makes our school better just by being here,” Principal Garcia-Felix shared. He emphasized her dependability, calm presence, and maturity, noting that she consistently steps up without being asked, whether it’s helping coordinate large events, supporting classmates, or setting an example of humility and grace. “Her empathy stands out,” he added. “Students look up to her, and staff appreciate her because she leads with kindness.”
A highly involved student, Giselle is active in ASB and serves as the president of Perris High School’s FFA chapter, one of the largest programs in California. Garcia-Felix commended her for mentoring younger members and helping them build confidence, particularly during speech preparation and competitions. “She builds others up. That’s a rare talent.”
Giselle reflected on her journey, sharing that she began high school intending to stay uninvolved, until FFA changed everything. Encouraged by her advisor, she ran for office as a sophomore and has now served two years as FFA president. Through the program, she says she learned leadership, public speaking, and confidence. “If you had told my freshman self I’d be standing here today as Student of the Month, I would have laughed,” she said. “FFA pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me grow into who I am.”
Her sister, Maria, also spoke, describing the transformation she’s witnessed firsthand, from a shy child to a young woman who can walk into any room and make others feel welcome. “She can truly make your day,” Maria shared. “People feel better just knowing she’ll be there.”
