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City officials and school administrators from the cities of Menifee and Perris gathered recently to honor the April 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.
Paulina Reyes – Heritage High School
Heritage High School Principal Jose Topete recognized teacher Nicholas Kalantar for his strong influence on student success, noting that multiple Students of the Month have come from his program this year. He then announced Paulina Reyes as the school’s Student of the Month, highlighting her as a well-rounded and highly involved student.
Reyes participates in film and agriculture programs while also competing in water polo, demonstrating both academic and extracurricular dedication. As she approaches graduation, Topete commended her for making the most of her time in high school and for her commitment to achieving her future goals.
Paulina Reyes shared a powerful and personal reflection on her journey, describing how years of striving for perfection led to self-doubt and serious health challenges. She spoke about learning to overcome those pressures, embracing authenticity, and recognizing that growth comes from accepting imperfections.
Reyes credited her resilience to the unwavering support of her family, friends, and Kalantar, who believed in her during difficult times. Now a well-rounded student involved in film, agriculture, and water polo, she emphasized her commitment to uplifting others and creating a more compassionate community.
Looking ahead, Reyes plans to attend UC Riverside to major in psychology with a minor in Spanish, with the goal of becoming a social worker to support families in need. She encouraged others to lead with empathy, authenticity, and kindness, reminding her peers that even small actions can create meaningful change.
Kalantar praised Reyes as a dedicated leader, accomplished filmmaker, and compassionate peer who consistently supports her school and community. He highlighted her numerous achievements, including award-winning film projects and collaborations with UC Berkeley, as well as her involvement in athletics and agriculture.
Kalantar emphasized that beyond her accomplishments, Reyes demonstrates true strength through resilience, humility, and her ability to lead and give to others even while overcoming self-doubt. He commended her lasting impact on those around her and encouraged her to recognize her own worth.
Paulina’s mother also expressed gratitude to the school staff for their support and shared how proud her family is of her achievements.
Londyn D. Govan – Liberty High School
Liberty High School Principal Erika Rojas introduced Student of the Month Londyn Govan, praising her as a leader who embodies positivity, integrity, and inclusivity through her involvement in cheer and the Black Student Union.
In her remarks, Govan shared how her upbringing and desire to be a role model for her siblings motivated her to excel academically and lead with purpose. As Black Student Union president and cheer captain, she focuses on bringing students together, especially those who may feel overlooked, and encouraging others to use their voice. She plans to attend a four-year university to study biology on a pre-med track with the goal of becoming a neurosurgeon.
Teacher Allison Weaver highlighted Govan’s resilience, strong character, and natural ability to inspire others, noting how she has elevated the Black Student Union by increasing student participation and school visibility, including launching club merchandise. She also emphasized Govan’s ability to balance academics and extracurriculars while motivating other students, particularly young women, to get involved and step into leadership roles.
Govan’s mother, Adrianne L. Mason, expressed deep pride in her daughter’s accomplishments, describing her as driven, compassionate, and academically successful. She praised her leadership, ability to bring people together, and dedication both in and out of school, noting her acceptance into multiple prestigious colleges and her strong commitment to her future goals.
Kayla I. Panlilio – Paloma Valley High School
Paloma Valley High School Principal Dr. Thomas LaRochelle introduced Student of the Month Kayla I. Panlilio, praising her confidence, positivity, and consistent leadership across campus. He noted that she is widely respected by teachers and peers for her joyful presence, pride in her work, and ability to excel in all she does.
In her remarks, Panlilio shared that she is involved in multiple clubs and holds leadership roles in nearly all of them. She emphasized her passion for supporting others and creating inclusive environments where students feel welcome and confident. She reflected on overcoming early nervousness in high school and learning to trust herself, which helped her grow into a more independent and motivated leader. Panlilio plans to attend San Diego State University to study kinesiology on a pre-physical therapy track, with the goal of becoming a physical therapist.
Teacher Maria Schmidt praised Panlilio as an exceptional student leader who consistently goes above and beyond in both academics and service. She highlighted Kayla’s natural ability to recognize when others need support and step in without hesitation, whether helping classmates, assisting teachers, or leading within clubs. Schmidt noted that Panlilio maintains a strong academic record while balancing multiple leadership responsibilities with apparent ease and composure. She also emphasized her involvement in service-oriented activities, including presenting at conferences and leading peer initiatives, describing her as a student whose quiet confidence and selfless drive make a lasting impact on the school community.
Panlilio’s mother also expressed pride in her daughter’s strong work ethic, determination, and self motivation, emphasizing that her success reflects consistent effort both in and out of the classroom.
Abigail Perez – Perris Lake High School
Perris Lake High School Administrator Dr. Heather Avila introduced Student of the Month Abigail Perez, highlighting her remarkable growth since transferring during her junior year. Once unsure of herself and disengaged from school, Perez has become confident, visible on campus, and academically successful.
In her remarks, Abigail Perez shared her journey of overcoming mental health challenges and finding motivation after transferring schools. She expressed pride in turning her life around, getting back on track to graduate with the Class of 2026, and proving that determination can lead to success. She plans to attend Mt. San Jacinto College to study art and pursue a career as a wedding painter, capturing meaningful moments for others.
Teacher Stephany Lon praised Perez’s quiet strength, kindness, and consistently positive presence in the classroom, noting that she often uses Abigail as a model student to encourage and uplift others. She emphasized Perez’s ability to build confidence in her peers, create a welcoming classroom environment, and show patience and respect toward others, even when faced with challenges. Lon added that Perez’s influence extends beyond academics, as she inspires others through her character, helps support struggling students, and leaves a lasting positive impact on her classroom community.
Perez’s mother, Noemi Serrato, shared heartfelt pride in her daughter’s growth, reflecting on the personal challenges she has overcome and how she has stepped out of her comfort zone. She credited the school staff for recognizing Abigail’s potential and supporting her journey, expressing confidence that her daughter’s future is bright and filled with opportunity.
Kaylin G. Tabil – Perris High School
At Perris High School’s Student of the Month recognition ceremony, Principal Ricardo Garcia-Felix honored ASB Vice President and student-athlete Kaylin Tabil for her leadership, academic balance, and commitment to building a positive school culture. He highlighted her role in ASB, volleyball, and AVID, noting that she consistently ensures students feel included and supported while modeling kindness, confidence, and responsibility.
In her remarks, Tabil expressed surprise at receiving the award and reflected on how her high school experience helped her grow through new opportunities and challenges. She credited her support system of teachers, family, and peers for encouraging her to step outside her comfort zone and develop confidence. Tabil encouraged fellow students to embrace discomfort and new experiences as a path to personal growth, sharing that “being stagnant does not grow character.” She plans to attend California State University, Long Beach to study health administration.
Teacher Angelica Osuna, who has worked with Tabil since her freshman year, described her as a consistent, responsible, and quietly determined student whose leadership is rooted in relationships and service to others. Osuna emphasized that Tabil does not seek attention but instead leads through action, mentoring younger students and balancing multiple leadership roles with humility and dedication. She also noted Tabil’s growth over time, including her decision to step back from leadership before returning stronger as ASB Vice President. Osuna praised her impact on campus, stating she embodies “leadership through kindness and growth.”
Tabil’s father, Michael Tabil, shared heartfelt pride in his daughter’s independence and character, describing her as self-sufficient from a young age and someone he has always been able to trust with responsibility, including caring for her siblings. He spoke about the family’s gratitude for her accomplishments and faith in her future, noting that she will continue to succeed at California State University, Long Beach. He also emphasized that the family remains supportive and proud of her journey, always welcoming her home and encouraging her continued growth and achievements.
