Local program founder and Student of the Month Committee member Karena Zermeno, who also represents one of the sponsors Altura Credit Union, emceed the event. Each student was invited to the podium to share their personal story, past and/or current challenges and future goals with a room full of supporters that included principals, teachers, peers and family members, as well as community and school district dignitaries.

December’s students of the month from Hemet Unified School District are Genesis Andrade, Davia Bean, Tristan Beatty, Savannah Mendoza and Landon Perez. San Jacinto Unified’s honoree for December is Sunnie Sanchez.

Hemet Unified School District

Genesis Andrade

Hamilton High School Principal Kari Sanchez said Genesis is forever giving of her time, her intellect and her courageous personality and that brings others together through ASB on an ongoing basis at the 6-12 campus. Nominating teacher Rio Clawson said Genesis always tries to bring people together for a common purpose – fun. “I’m your biggest fan and cheerleader other than God and your mom,” she told the outstanding senior. Genesis, a varsity athlete and honor roll scholar, feels her greatest contribution to her community is her commitment to teamwork. “I enjoy being part of my school and believe in leading by example,” she said. A few years ago, she and her family moved to Mexico to rescue women and children from sex trafficking as part of their missionary work. Genesis said this gave her a firsthand perspective of some of the awful things occurring in today’s world. “Imprinting me with the acknowledgement of the privilege I have,” she said. “Taking this positive attitude with me into college, I intend to continue to have gratitude for anything I put my mind to. I will always try my best to help others who can’t help themselves.” Gensis plans to practice law after college.

Davia Bean

Tahquitz High School Principal Andrew Holmes, said, “Davia is a student that symbolizes what it means to have Titan Pride. She is a dedicated scholar who enjoys being in her English class and actively participates. She likes to write and enjoys telling stories.” She is a member of the Debate Club, Yearbook and AVID. Her nominating social studies teacher David Nichols said, “She is a leader among her peers. She knows who she is, but she doesn’t let that get in the way if she doesn’t have all the answers.” Davia said change is the hardest part of growing up. “For me, everything changed when my eldest sister passed away. It was like time had stopped and the world became cold. Losing her wasn’t just losing a sister, it was watching my mother break. I had never seen my mom cry before. I told my mom not to worry because she was always here, we just couldn’t see her and now that I’m growing up, I look for her in everything that I do.” Davis hopes to attend either Cal Baptist University or San Francisco State to prepare for a career as an educator.

Tristan Beatty

Hemet High School Principal Jeff Franks introduced Tristan as extremely talented, gifted and athletic. “He also plays the guitar and bass and he’s one of those crazy smart kids that can process extremely fast,” Franks said. Nominating teacher Art Plinski said Tristan is “insanely bright” and always contributes to class discussions. “He has a spirit of academic exploration,” Plinski said. Tristan said everybody in their life goes through struggles and everyone has unique struggles. “But if anything had been different, we wouldn’t be exactly where we are today,” he said. He shared a life-shaping moment he experienced at the age of nine. His biological father explained he was moving to Missouri. “He went on and on about the pros, leaving out all the negatives,” Tristan said. “At the end, he asked me a very back-stabbing question that has pained me every time I think about it: ‘so are you okay with all this?’” He has not had any contact with his father since. “While I’m not thankful for the hurt that caused, I am thankful for the fire that it lit inside me,” Tristan said. “I want to one day become the father to my children that I never was able to have in my life and give them the opportunities that my father could not give me.” He plans to attend UC, Santa Barbara to major in neuroscience. “I’d like to eventually become a psychiatrist as I am passionate about helping others through the struggles that we face and the challenges that we experience.”

Savannah Mendoza

West Valley High School selected Savannah this month and Principal Gerardo Zavala said, “She is not only an excellent student but also a great leader, role model and advocate for our campus community. Savannah is a student who always gives back to her school.” Savannah is president of Latinos Unidos, serves as School Site Council chairperson, is part of speech and debate, marching band, Folklorico and the recycling club. “Her leadership and involvement are truly inspiring,” Zavala said. English teacher Nathan San Filippo, who nominated her, shared some words from Savannah’s essay at the end of last year’s class. The subject was about the value of writing in today’s modern society while referring to past readings the class had shared throughout the year. She wrote, “While new forms of communications have their advantages, they can never replace the depth, permanence and focus that writing provides. As long as we have thoughts and emotions to share, the written word will continue to be a vital tool for human connection and self-discovery.” Savannah shared that a challenge she faced when she was younger was living in poverty. “My father was a druggie and a wannabe gangster,” she said. “He focused more on finding his next high than really caring for his children. My mom worked two and three jobs just to provide for my brother and I.” Savannah aspires to be a military psychologist and has already been accepted at several California State Universities.

Landon Perez

Academy of Innovation serves students in K-12 through its independent study program. Principal John Bradshaw said he is impressed with students such as Landon who are able to forge deep relationships while only being on campus twice a week. Landon said last year he had to face the obstacle of adapting to the return of in-person school after four years of an all-online learning environment. He has contributed to his school and community through volunteer work with The Salvation Army’s Food Pantry and Angel Tree programs. “These activities have helped me understand the challenges faced by others and appreciate the importance of giving back,” Landon said. “The most important life lesson I have learned to prepare me for college is the critical role of time management.” His goal is to attend Stanford University where he plans to study political science or criminal justice. “These fields align with my passion of advocating for others as a lawyer,” Landon said.

San Jacinto Unified School District

Sunnie Sanchez

Mountain View High School selected Sunnie as this month’s honoree. He is involved with ASB and is a School Site Council representative. The senior shared that during his middle school years he was very active, playing basketball and football every day with friends, and that provided him with a great cardio workout. It also allowed him to indulge in sweets and “junk” food without worrying about the downside of doing that. Then COVID hit and Sunnie, who was 5-ft. 9-in. tall and weighed 190 pounds at the time ended up being 5-ft. 11-in. tall and weighing 235 pounds when in-person learning resumed. “I used to hate looking at myself because of my weight,” he said. “One day walking upstairs I got very winded and realized how unhealthy I was. I made a change and started going to the gym every day.” Sunnie continued his regimen until he got his weight back down to 190 pounds. “I want to give a big shoutout to Albert, my first gym partner,” he said. “He was the reason why I liked going to the gym and he taught me everything I know. He helped me make a change in my life.” Sunnie also thanked the staff at Mountain View for providing him with the opportunity to grow as an individual. “In my case, it helped me set goals for myself. I plan to go to college to become a teacher,” he said.

Closing Remarks

Hemet Unified School District Superintendent Christi Barrett addressed all the honorees and thanked them for sharing their stories. “You are all change agents,” she said. San Jacinto Unified School District Superintendent David Pyle said, “I was part of a generation where I think people kept their personal stories more to themselves and I’m so comforted in the fact that our students feel comfortable sharing their stories behind the microphone to a group of strangers. I encourage you to continue to take that with you into your next stage of life.”

For more information, www.studentofthemonth.net.

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The annual celebration of education excellence was held July 23 at the Soboba Casino Resort Event Center where the Soboba Tribal Council presented its Academic Achievement Awards Ceremony. Sixty-six students were recognized for outstanding performance during the 2022-2023 school year.

More than 500 guests were on hand to support the success of the Tribal youth, whose hard work and dedication led to some amazing accomplishments. A welcome from Soboba Tribal Council Chairman Isaiah Vivanco began with an introduction of other council members Vice Chairwoman Geneva Mojado, Secretary Monica Herrera, Treasurer Daniel Valdez and Sergeant at Arms Michael Bentiste.

“We also want to acknowledge all the Elders and family members that are here supporting the success of our Tribal youth and more importantly, we are here to celebrate the achievements they have made,” Vivanco said. “Achievement can be defined as something accomplished with special effort. Soboba youths have proven that hard work and dedication can result in amazing accomplishments for our people. We owe it to them to provide them with the tools to succeed. Today we thank you and celebrate your achievements.”

A blessing was followed by a performance from the Inter-Tribal Bird Singers and Dancers before the buffet-style lunch was made available. Throughout the ceremony, raffle prizes were randomly awarded to all students. After a video presentation that highlighted each student, recipients were called up by specific categories by Soboba Tribal Executive Officer Steven Estrada who served as emcee.

Those students earning Silver Outstanding Achievement with a Grade Point Average of 3.0-3.4 each received a trophy and certificate. They are Brave Alvarez, Ava Arenas, Jeffrey Arres, Mkilawish Arres, Emily Pauline Arrietta, Moyla Arviso, Lokelani Basquez, Victoria Maria Boiso, Nokaamay Briones, Mahryah Carmelo, Zachary Te’met Guacheno, Marco Hernandez, Lavina Lopez, Gemma Mazza, Ronald Morillo III, Wayne Nelson, Danny Placencia, Kimani Resvaloso-Sanchez, Agustin Luca Salgado, Rudy V. Sanchez, Leandro Silvas IV and Daniel Valdez Jr.

Students obtaining Gold Superior Achievement for a GPA of 3.5-3.9 were each presented with a trophy and certificate. They are Jaden Carmelo, Mariah Castillo, Raelina Castillo, Selaya Helms, Kylie Herrera, Duke Marruffo Lara, Aimee Organ, Adam Post, Sophia Resvaloso, Alayna Resvaloso-Wood, Jade Reyes, Shawna Rivera, Raya Salgado, Jason Valenzuella, Bella Vallejo and Bella Ward.

Platinum Academic Excellence honors were presented to students with a GPA of 4.0 and above, along with a trophy and certificate. They are Ava Cozart, April Garcia, Alana Kashersky, Aureny Manzanilla, Avellaka Manzanilla, Luisa Rivera, Lorraine A. Salgado and Ginger Velazquez.

Several of these students shared more about their academic and extracurricular activities. Ava, 16, has been on the Hemet High School varsity volleyball team since her freshman year. She also served as ASB Junior Class Treasurer and Yearbook Co-Chief Editor. She plans on earning her college degree in history after she graduates from high school to possibly pursue a career as an archaeologist or high school history teacher.

“I was able to watch my sister go through her schooling and seeing her get good grades motivated me to try and get to the same level and higher,” Ava said. “My parents also push and expect me to have good grades which made me the student I am. On a regular basis I use whatever free time I have in any classes to complete my work so it doesn’t feel like I have to do too much when I get home.”

What she likes best about school and learning is the opportunity it gives her to shape her own future.

Aureny, 15, said her favorite subject is math and she also found time to play volleyball. “To help get to the level I am at, I paid attention to the teacher while talking and did my work right away instead of holding it off,” she said. “The best part about school is learning. I love to learn about anything and everything because it’s truly fun and interesting.”

Avellaka plans to enlist in the Navy and then pursue a career as an EMT or something similar when she has completed her military service. She plays volleyball, does beading in her spare time and her favorite subject is history. “The thing I like best about learning is it’s a whole different perspective; learning is not just black and white, there’s so much more to it,” Avellaka, 17, said. “The things I did on a regular basis to reach this level was to do my work on time and not let it pile up.”

Luisa’s favorite subject is Spanish and credits her teachers with helping her stay on task. She was involved with AVID, ASB, Beading Club and plays volleyball and softball. She is part of the WE LEAD summer work program as well. “I like that I get to be with my friends at school and learn new stuff every week,” Luisa, 17, said. “I want to become a teacher and work for Soboba.”

Lorraine said she studies and pays attention in class as much as she can. “I want to get into a good college, so that motivates me to work hard to maintain a high GPA,” she said. The 16-year-old plays tennis and lacrosse and is involved in FFA. “I enjoy having a busy schedule because it prepares me for college and my life after school. I also like getting to go on field trips with people I am close with,” she said. “I would like to become a dental hygienist and work for Riverside San Bernardino County Indian Health Services, Inc.”

Ginger said paying attention in class and making sure all her work is done on time has contributed to her academic success. She played volleyball and was part of the concert band at Monte Vista Middle School and will be joining the marching band as a high school freshman at San Jacinto High School. History is her favorite subject and she’s already thinking ahead to becoming a criminal defense lawyer someday. “My favorite part of school is hanging out with friends and learning new information and interesting facts,” Ginger, 14, said.

The next category was then introduced by Estrada. “At this time, we would like to recognize the following recipients for successfully completing all the requirements and receiving a high school diploma which will allow them to further their educational goals,” he said.

Each student received a certificate, an olla, a beaded lanyard and a Pendleton blanket. Graduates are Leila Arres, Su’la Arviso, Iyana Briones, John Briones, James Gonzales, Lorenzo Hernandez, Poowish Eli Morillo, So’a Nelson, Emma Ushla Organ, Ciara Ramos, Isabella Resvaloso, Nashashuk Resvaloso, Francisca Rivera, Soowut Rodriguez and Jocie Yepa.

Estrada called the final group to the stage area to be recognized for successfully earning a college degree or certificate in their chosen field of study. Each received a certificate of achievement, an olla and a beaded lanyard.

Sherrina Herrera graduated from Dean College in Massachusetts where she obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Science-Criminal Justice/Homeland Security with a minor in Psychology. She attended on a basketball scholarship and was also involved in The National Society for Leadership and Success while there. She plans to obtain her Master’s degree with the goal of joining the Army and serve in the criminal investigation division.

“What was interesting for me about criminal justice was learning different things about how it can help connect with my future plans and how I can pursue many different options when it comes to a career path and seeing how it would tie in together,” she said.

Herrera said she had a great experience at the college. “It helped me grow as a person to overcome many different challenges and especially when being away from home for the first time ever. It was a great choice because I got to experience a different culture and scenery that showed me how much things can be different. The one experience I can say I love the most was the snow because it was beautiful scenery.”

Raven Peterson graduated from UCLA where she obtained her Master’s in American Indian Studies. She was on the board of the American Indian Graduate Student Association as the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act representative while also being a virtual mentor for Indigenous scholars. Her future goal is to attend law school and she is currently exploring different ones.

“My interest in law started with criminal law. Growing up in Soboba I witnessed how law enforcement and the criminal justice system would treat my family and fellow Tribal members based solely on where we’re from, rather than whether or not we were actually guilty,” the Hemet High School graduate said. “It was always my goal to be able to help my people, whether that be people from Soboba or Native people in general. I decided to get my M.A. in American Indian Studies so that I could be more knowledgeable about my people and use that knowledge to my advantage when I do start working as a lawyer. As I continued my journey through higher education, my interests also grew in Tribal law and environmental law. I’m still deciding which direction to go, but once I start law school I’ll be able to explore my options and choose the path that I am most passionate about.”

Celena Pimentel completed courses and earned her Cosmetology license from Paul Mitchell The School Temecula. She enjoys hairstyling and was involved in The Makeup Academy. With this training, her goal is to open her own salon in the future.

Jasmine Romero graduated from California Baptist University where she obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Studies with a concentration in Early Childhood Intervention. She was also involved in the Boys & Girls Club. Her future education goal is to get her teaching credential as well as a Master’s degree in Social Work. Her career goal is to be a full-time kindergarten teacher or teach special education. She currently works in a preschool classroom at The Growing Place.

Romero said, “I decided in college that teaching was the career that I wanted to go into because I wanted to teach children in a way they can grow into kind, healthy, respectable and loving adults. I want to make a difference in assisting in the development of those who will go on to construct the world and improve it for us, them and the generations to follow.”

She loves working with children overall and said she wants to take on the challenges that come with ensuring special education students have their educational needs met.

“I knew teaching was my calling because I wanted to meet the needs of all the students and have a better understanding of the children,” Romero said. “Creating lessons where children should be exposed to things that are appealing to the eye is important; it should inspire engagement and interest. Selecting materials that validate and empower children from all racial, ethnic and social backgrounds is also important.”

Rose Soza Gonzalez graduated from Arizona State University with her Bachelor’s Degree of Arts in Filmmaking Practices. She was a member of the National Honor Society. She plans to continue her education for a Master’s in Fine Arts and strive towards a career goal of being a photographer for the NBA and also work as a freelance screenwriter.

“Growing up, college was always a goal for me, especially being a first-generation student,” Soza Gonzalez said. “I always knew that I was going to get my degree in something creative. Photography was my first introduction to film and beyond. I got my first camera on my 15th birthday and started taking pictures right away. I struggled in school from an early age, therefore, being creative was an outlet for me to express myself and show my knowledge in a different way.”

She said that writing didn’t become a strength for her until college and now it has become a great passion of hers, having grown her writing in all forms while continuing to grow her screenwriting skills with hopes that she can someday have a published film or show.

Since graduation, Soza Gonzalez has been working at a nonprofit organization that serves adults who have intellectual disabilities. She is their social media content creator/still photographer. She has fallen in love with working in social media and with the organization and knows it’s a good steppingstone to the film industry.

In closing, members of the Tribal Council reiterated the importance of recognizing the accomplishments of all the Tribal youth that were honored at the ceremony. “The support given by the Tribe will help to ensure their success in the future,” they said. “Thank you all for taking the time to show your individual support. Good luck to our recent graduates as they begin the next step of their lives. And lastly, good luck to the middle and high school students who will be returning to school this fall. We hope to see you all again next year to celebrate your accomplishments.”

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The annual celebration of education excellence was held July 24 at the Soboba Casino Resort Event Center where the Soboba Tribal Council presented its Academic Achievement Awards Ceremony. More than 65 students were recognized for outstanding performance during the 2021-2022 school year.

About 400 family members and friends were on hand to support the success of the Tribal youth, whose hard work and dedication led to some amazing accomplishments. A welcome from Soboba Tribal Council Chairman Isaiah Vivanco was followed by a blessing and a performance by the Inter-Tribal Bird Singers and Dancers. A buffet-style lunch was available before the heart of the program, honoring students, began.

After a video presentation that highlighted each student, recipients were called up by specific categories, with each receiving a certificate and trophy. Soboba Tribal Executive Officer Steven Estrada served as emcee.

Those students earning Silver Achievement with a Grade Point Average of 3.0-3.4 are Agustin Luca Salgado-Galvan, Grade 7; Brave Alvarez, Grade 6; Ciara Ramos, Grade 11; Daniel Valdez Jr., Grade 10; Danny Placencia-Garcia, Grade 8; Delilah Boniface, Grade 6; Luisa Rivera, Grade 10; Marco Hernandez, Grade 8; Moyla Arviso, Grade 7; Nohewee Sandoval, Grade 7; Phyllis Morillo, Grade 6; Shawna Rivera, Grade 8; Selaya Helms, Grade 8; So’a Nelson, Grade 11; and Tatianna Briones, Grade 11.

Students obtaining Gold Achievement for a GPA of 3.5-3.9 are Aimee Suvoowut Organ, Grade 9; Adam Post, Grade 7; Aureny Manzanilla, Grade 8; Bella Ward, Grade 7; Ginger Velazquez, Grade 7; Iyana Briones, Grade 11; Janessa Mojado, Grade 8; Jezebel Herrera, Grade 8; Kimani Resvaloso-Sanchez, Grade 7; Lavina Lopez, Grade 6; Raya Salgado, Grade 6; Raelina Castillo, Grade 6; Soowut Rodriguez, Grade 11; and Zachary Guacheno, Grade 9.

Platinum Achievement honors were presented to students with a GPA of 4.0 and above. They are April Garcia, Grade 6; Ava Ciccone-Cozart, Grade 9; Avellaka Manzanilla, Grade 10; Emma Ushla Organ, Grade 11; Jade Reyes, Grade 9; Lorraine Salgado-Galvan, Grade 10; Rudy V. Sanchez, Grade 10; and Savannah Rivera, Grade 8.

“At this time, we would like to recognize the following recipients for successfully completing all the requirements and receiving a high school diploma which will allow them to further their educational goals,” Estrada said.

In addition to a certificate of achievement, each graduate was gifted with a ceramic olla and Pendleton blanket after being introduced with a short description of their hobbies and future plans and goals.

Aaliyah E. Reynoso enjoys being involved in her local Native American Club and has many plans for her future. Abbie Nevarez enjoys creating art and beading and plans to attend community college before transferring to a university. Alyssa Appleby enjoys bible study, hiking and various leadership roles and her goal is to become a teacher. Carlotta Valenzuella has a passion for automotive design and plans on continuing to pursue that field. David Morreo enjoys hiking and gaming with a goal of earning his broker’s license and owning his own business.

Dilhitchalakai Delores Modesto enjoys drawing, painting and writing and plans to attend UCR to obtain a degree in business. Draven Helms likes basketball and gaming and plans to join the basketball team at MSJC where he will pursue higher education. Ellie Mae Nevarez enjoys shopping, fashion design and dance and plans to attend community college before transferring to a university.

Jayden Basquez has been accepted to California State University, Fullerton and hopes to work in the animation industry. Jeremiah Ramos is enrolled in the Firefighter Explorers Program and enjoys sports. He plans to attend EMT school and Fire Academy to become a firefighter/paramedic. Leah Lelani Lopez is involved with Soboba Youth Council and enjoys beading, singing and basket weaving. She plans to become a therapist.

Mary K. Silvas plans to attend the University of Idaho to study arts and animation. Her goal is to become an animator that influences society on Native Americans. Michael Morreo will be attending Universal Technical Institute in Arizona to become an auto mechanic. Posuunyot Briones enjoys football, rugby and weightlifting. He has a passion for leading by example with self-discipline, structure and spirit. His goal is to push his physical boundaries and become a professional bodybuilder.

Ryan Begay enjoys music, reading and photography. He plans to attend culinary school and eventually open his own café. Tishmanim Rhodes is an active member of Indian Club and the WE LEAD program who also likes painting and travelling and plans on getting a cosmetology license.

Estrada then called the final group to the stage area to be recognized for successfully completing all the requirements and receiving a degree or certificate in their chosen field of study. Each student received a certificate of achievement, ceramic olla, lanyard and Pendleton blanket.

Avellaka Arviso, graduated from Dean College and is an alumnus of Chi Alpha sigma. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies and wants to earn a Juris Doctor degree with a goal of practicing Native law and representing Tribal communities.

Ebony Sanchez Duro attended UEI College of Riverside to become a Licensed Pharmacy Technician. She has a love for travel and enjoys beading and plans to continue her education to earn an associate degree in Business Administration.

Joanna Goodfield earned her Nursing, Associate of Science degree from Mt. San Jacinto College. In her spare time, she enjoys beading and anything involving home DIY projects. She is excited to see where her nursing degree will take her.

Julissa Garcia obtained associate degrees in Child Development & Education and Social & Behavioral Science from Mt. San Jacinto College. She plans to transfer to a four-year university to pursue a bachelor’s degree and teaching credential. She also enjoys self-defense training.

Lenora “Ponie” Mojado, earned a Mt. San Jacinto College Associate of Science degree in Child Development. She intends to continue her education and obtain her bachelor’s degree. In her spare time she likes to play softball, craft and draw.

Rachelle Peterson received her Master of Science degree from San Diego State University. She has worked diligently in preparation to work as a psychologist serving the Native American community. She is an active participant in the Native American and Indigenous Scholars Project (SHPA) and in two years will earn her Education Specialist Degree.

Sherrina Herrera earned an Associate of Science degree from Dean College. She enjoys playing basketball and softball and is involved in the National Society of Leadership and Success. Her goal is to earn her bachelor’s degree and become an investigator for the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division.

Summer Rain Helms obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from UCLA. She has an extensive resume with involvement with the university’s American Indian Recruitment project, the Eagle and Condor Liberation Front and the American Indian Science & Engineering Society. She plans on writing children’s books before continuing her education.

In closing, Chairman Vivanco said for the past seven years, this particular event has continued to grow and that is a testament to the youth of Soboba putting in the effort.

“The support given by the Tribe will help to ensure their success in the future. Thank you all for taking the time today to show your individual support. I want to thank the Tribal Council for making this event successful,” Vivanco said.

He also wished the recent graduates the best of luck as they begin the next step in their lives.

“Good luck to the junior and high school students who will be returning this fall,” Vivanco said. “I hope to see you all again next year to celebrate your accomplishments.”

Soboba Vice Chairwoman Geneva Mojado congratulated all the family members who supported their children through their successful academic and personal journeys.

“We’d also like to thank the Soboba Casino banquet staff, IT, accounting, volunteers and Andrew Vallejos and his team for helping this event come together,” she said.

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