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Students from across the Perris Union High School District were recently recognized as Students of the Year.
The students were nominated by teachers and staff at their respective school sites and selected for qualities such as character, integrity, a love of learning, perseverance in overcoming challenges, community service and the positive impact they make on their campuses.
Jun Shuo Yang – Heritage High School
Heritage High School Assistant Principal Lourdes Zunzunegui proudly recognized Jun Shuo “Julia” Yang as the school’s Student of the Year. She praised Julia’s resilience, determination, and perseverance, noting that her journey demonstrates how present challenges do not have to define a person’s future.
Zunzunegui highlighted the positive impact Julia has made on the Heritage High School campus and stated that her legacy will continue long after graduation. She also congratulated Julia on her acceptance to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where she will continue her academic journey.
In closing, Zunzunegui expressed the Heritage community’s pride in Julia’s accomplishments and growth, reminding her that while she is headed to UCLA as a future Bruin, she will always remain a valued member of the Heritage High School Patriot family.
Jun Shuo “Julia” Yang, Heritage High School’s Student of the Year, shared a heartfelt story of perseverance, independence, and personal growth. Born in China, Julia moved to the United States with her mother at age five. Due to family and financial circumstances, she was raised primarily by her aunt and uncle while her mother supported her from a distance. These experiences taught her independence and determination from an early age.
During high school, Julia discovered the importance of community and teamwork through basketball, which helped her build friendships and realize that success does not have to be achieved alone. She became actively involved in several campus organizations, including the Asian Culture Club, Interact Club, AVID, and Student for Change. Through these activities, she developed a passion for community involvement, leadership, and advocating for fellow students.
As president of Student for Change, Julia worked closely with school administrators to address student concerns and improve campus life. She credited her involvement in clubs and activities with helping her find a sense of belonging and inspiring her desire to help others find supportive communities as well.
Looking ahead, Julia plans to attend the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where she will major in Financial Actuarial Mathematics. She hopes to use her education to help others while continuing her involvement in cultural organizations, community service, and student leadership. Julia expressed gratitude to her family, friends, coaches, and mentors for supporting her journey and helping her achieve her goals.
Nevaeh I. Villalobos – Liberty High School
Nevaeh Isabella Villalobos, Liberty High School’s Student of the Year, spoke about the importance of connection, leadership, and the values instilled in her by her family. She shared that her greatest strength is her ability to connect with people from all backgrounds, a skill that has helped her build meaningful relationships and serve her school community as Senior Class President and through various district leadership opportunities.
Villalobos reflected on the profound influence of her parents, particularly the lessons of kindness, integrity, courage, and compassion they taught through their actions. While acknowledging the loss of her father to cancer, she emphasized that love, rather than loss, has defined her journey. She credited her parents’ unwavering support and example for shaping her character and inspiring her commitment to serving others.
Throughout her high school career, Villalobos developed her leadership skills through student government and other campus activities, forming lasting friendships and strong connections with fellow students, teachers, and administrators. She expressed gratitude to her family, mentors, and the supportive community that encouraged her growth and success.
This fall, Villalobos will attend the University of California, Berkeley, where she plans to major in English on a pre-law track. She shared her passion for justice, advocacy, and public service and stated that her experiences at Liberty High School have prepared her to pursue her goals while continuing to make a positive impact on those around her.
Liberty High School Principal Erika Rojas praised Nevaeh Isabella Villalobos as an exceptional student leader whose character, resilience, and compassion have made a lasting impact on the school community. Rojas noted that Nevaeh is frequently selected to represent Liberty High School at events because of her poise, leadership, and willingness to serve others.
She described Nevaeh as a bright and positive presence on campus who has transformed personal challenges into opportunities to support and uplift those around her. Rojas highlighted Nevaeh’s kindness, dependability, humility, and genuine concern for others, emphasizing that she consistently encourages classmates, assists peers, and contributes positively to the school environment.
Rojas also commended Nevaeh’s resilience, noting that despite difficult life experiences, she has chosen to lead with empathy, optimism, and connection. She concluded by stating that Nevaeh exemplifies the qualities of true success through her character, perseverance, and positive influence on others, making her a deserving recipient of Liberty High School’s Student of the Year honor.
Miley R. Lundstrom – Paloma Valley High School
Miley Ryan Lundstrom, Paloma Valley High School’s Student of the Year, reflected on her lifelong dedication to academics and the importance of resilience when facing unexpected challenges. Raised by two educators, Lundstrom shared that academic achievement has always been a significant part of her life and that she has continually strived to make her family and teachers proud.
She spoke candidly about her long-held dream of attending the University of Notre Dame, a goal she pursued through years of hard work and participation in the university’s prestigious Summer Scholars Program. When she was not accepted to Notre Dame, she faced disappointment but ultimately learned an important lesson about perseverance, faith, and embracing new opportunities. That experience led her to realize that success is not always defined by following a predetermined plan.
This fall, Lundstrom will attend the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where she plans to major in English. A passionate reader and storyteller from a young age, she hopes to pursue a career in publishing and eventually become an author. Lundstrom explained that her love of stories extends beyond writing; she is passionate about helping others share their experiences and ensuring that people feel heard and valued.
Throughout her remarks, Lundstrom emphasized the importance of resilience, self-confidence, and remaining open to unexpected opportunities. She expressed gratitude to her family, teachers, and supporters, and shared her excitement for the next chapter of her educational journey at UCLA.
Paloma Valley High School teacher Maria Schmidt praised Miley Ryan Lundstrom as an outstanding student whose achievements extend far beyond academics. Schmidt, who has known Lundstrom for many years and taught her in AP Environmental Science, described her as one of the most positive and encouraging students she has encountered.
She highlighted Lundstrom’s genuine kindness and her commitment to making others feel valued and included. Schmidt noted that Miley consistently supports and uplifts those around her, regardless of her own challenges, and brings a positive energy to every situation.
In addition to being an exceptional student, Schmidt emphasized that Lundstrom is a well-rounded leader who has balanced academic excellence with extensive involvement in school activities. She noted that it is rare for a valedictorian to also be deeply engaged in extracurricular programs, making Lundstrom’s accomplishments especially impressive. Schmidt concluded by expressing her admiration for Miley’s character, leadership, and dedication, and shared her confidence that she will continue to succeed in the future.
Antonio Lopez – California Military Institute
California Military Institute (CMI) Student of the Year, Cadet Second Lieutenant Antonio Lopez, expressed gratitude and humility as he accepted the honor during the Perris/Menifee Student of the Year Recognition Breakfast. Lopez thanked his mother, family, teachers, and mentors for their unwavering support throughout his educational journey.
He gave special recognition to CMI Principal Dr. Michael Dodson for fostering a culture of excellence and to AVID teacher Luis Valdivinos for the positive impact he has had on both Lopez and his classmates. Lopez described Valdivinos as an important mentor and role model who helped guide him toward success.
Looking toward the future, Lopez shared his plans to attend California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, where he intends to pursue a career as an orthopedic sports medicine physician. Inspired by his passion for biomechanics, human movement, and helping others, he hopes to combine his interests by restoring mobility and improving the lives of patients. Before beginning college, Lopez plans to complete an accelerated Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program to gain hands-on medical experience.
Lopez also credited his involvement with Rotary and the RYLA leadership program for helping him discover a passion for mentoring and serving others. He emphasized his commitment to continuing community service and giving back throughout his career.
In closing, Lopez reflected on the positive influence of the many people he has met throughout his life, sharing that their encouragement helped him overcome self-doubt and believe in his potential. He thanked his family, school, teachers, clubs, mentors, and the Student of the Year program for helping him achieve this milestone.
Luis Valdivinos, Antonio Lopez’s AVID teacher and mentor, reflected on meeting Antonio during his freshman year and immediately recognizing his potential. He recalled being impressed by Antonio’s curiosity, strong writing skills, and eagerness to learn. Over the past four years, Valdivinos had the opportunity to work closely with Antonio through classroom experiences, college visits, and educational trips across California.
Valdivinos described Antonio as a lifelong learner whose curiosity and determination have been key factors in his success. He noted that Antonio consistently sought opportunities to expand his knowledge, ask questions, and become involved in school activities. Beyond his academic achievements, Valdivinos praised Antonio’s kindness, compassion, and willingness to support others, noting that many students look to him for guidance and encouragement.
As Antonio prepares to attend California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, on a pre-med track with the goal of becoming an orthopedic sports medicine physician, Valdivinos expressed confidence that he will continue to achieve great success. He congratulated Antonio on being named Student of the Year and commended him for the positive impact he has had on his school and community.
Daisy Casas Chavez – Perris High School
Daisy Casas Chavez, Perris High School’s Student of the Year, expressed gratitude to the sponsors, educators, family members, and community supporters who helped make the recognition program possible. She shared that her passions for leadership, culinary arts, and helping others have shaped her high school experience and future goals.
Throughout her four years at Perris High School, Daisy has been actively involved in leadership, where she focused on creating opportunities for others to feel heard, valued, and included. She explained that leadership has taught her the importance of communication, teamwork, and building a supportive community. In addition to her leadership activities, she has pursued her interest in culinary arts and recently earned certification as a beginner mentor, an accomplishment she described as a source of pride.
Daisy credited her success to hard work, dedication, and a positive attitude, emphasizing that serving others and contributing to her community are activities she genuinely enjoys. She noted that what distinguishes her is not only her diverse interests but also her commitment to making a meaningful impact on the lives of others.
Looking ahead, Daisy plans to continue stepping outside her comfort zone, developing new skills and relationships, and finding ways to support youth and her community. She concluded by thanking her family, especially her mother, for their encouragement and support throughout her journey.
Perris High School Principal Ricardo Garcia-Felix praised Daisy Casas Chavez as an outstanding student leader and scholar who has made a significant impact on the school community during her four years at Perris High School. As Associated Student Body (ASB) President, Daisy has served as an influential leader while maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA and earning recognition as one of the school’s top scholars.
Garcia-Felix highlighted Daisy’s numerous achievements, including being named Student of the Month, representing Perris High School at the Riverside County Education Student Academic Awards, and being selected as a Perris Union High School District Exceptional Graduate scholarship recipient. She was also honored with the Perris Valley Chamber of Commerce Panther Legacy and Excellence Scholarship.
Among her academic accomplishments, Daisy earned the California Scholarship Federation Lifetime Achievement 4.0 Award, an honor reserved for students in the top two percent of the state who maintain a 4.0 GPA throughout all four years of high school. She also received the Golden State Seal Merit Diploma and other distinguished academic recognitions. Additionally, Garcia-Felix noted that Daisy was the only student at Perris High School to successfully earn her Tier II Floral Certification.
Looking ahead, Daisy plans to attend California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, where she will major in Animal Health Science. Garcia-Felix expressed confidence that her hard work, leadership, and perseverance will continue to lead her to success in college and beyond.
