Local program founder and Student of the Month Committee member Karena Zermeno-Leon 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.

January’s students of the month from Hemet Unified School District are Haylie Alvarez, Katelyn Cerpas Fuentes, Jennah Ramirez, Erendira Soria, and Aaron Turner. San Jacinto Unified honorees for January are Christopher Garcia and Elizabeth Schmitz.

Hemet Unified School District

Haylie Alvarez

Hamilton High School Principal Kari Sanchez described Haylie in one word: persistence. She has attended Hamilton since eighth grade. Nominating teacher Mary Kleinvachter had Haylie in class in her sophomore and now senior years and said there is a night and day difference. Citing French playwright Molière’s quote “the greater the obstacle, the more glory in overcoming it,” Haylie said it taught her about perseverance and found it to be one of the truest statements ever written. “I have lived the obstacles and I’m still dipping my foot into the glory of overcoming them each day that passes,” she said. “When I was 15, I found out my parents were separating due to complications.” Her academics suffered as a result. Her mother left and her siblings went with her. Haylie found it too overwhelming to leave all her friends and start over, so she stayed with her father. She entered into a toxic relationship with a boy at school and this caused further problems. One day she told herself, “Everything happens for a reason, and I have a reason to make things happen.” She plans to become an ultrasound technician. “I’m ready to do amazing things in life and help as many people as I can,” Haylie said.

Katelyn Cerpas Fuentes

Tahquitz High School Principal Andrew Holmes said Katelyn has overcome a lot of adversity but has shined through every moment of it. “She’s played tennis for over 10 years and had an exceptional season helping to lead her team to a Tahquitz first of making it to the CIF semifinals. She plays the guitar, ukulele and is in choir.” Her former AP Spanish teacher Virginia Shaw met Katelyn three years ago when she enrolled at the school in the Newcomers program, knowing very little English. With her great desire to learn she was able to reclassify as an English learner last year. “Before I tell you where I’m going, I want you to understand where I have been,” Katelyn said. “For most of my life, stability was a word I heard but never truly lived. My first experience with loss was when I was still a baby and my dad was deported.” Due to constant moving, she grew up studying across different countries, schools and cities. “Over time, I began to feel that I belonged nowhere,” she said. “At a young age, I learned how to appear strong. On the outside I looked capable but on the inside I felt invisible. The greatest lesson I learned is that strength is not silence and that independence doesn’t mean being alone,” Katelyn said.

Jennah Ramirez

Alessandro High School Principal Matthew Centofranchi said Jennah is living the saying Assistant Principal Steven Mack always tells students, “You always have the choice to make the right decision.” Jennah enrolled at the alternative school last year and has had tremendous growth. Teacher Erica Ruiz-Pennington said Jennah has been part of her first responder class for two years and serves as battalion chief. “Her transformation has been nothing short of remarkable,” she said. “Despite living with a heart condition that could have slowed her down, Jennah refused to let it stop her. She also navigates the emotional weight of her parents’ divorce.” Jennah said growing up, she always wondered why her parents couldn’t have stayed together. “But I now see their relationship as friends and co-parents and I wouldn’t ask for anything more,” Jennah said. When she found she only had 20 credits at the end of her sophomore year and was transferring to Alessandro she dreaded the idea of leaving her friends behind but soon realized the school was a door to new opportunities and she was able to start focusing on herself. “My goal is to work for AMR as a paramedic,” Jennah said. She has been hired by the City of Hemet as a risk reduction cadet to start making a difference in the community.

Erendira Soria

Hemet High School Principal Jeff Franks introduced Erendira as a member of the soccer team, the school’s Care Club and its Breakfast Club. Tacher DJ Edwards said, “As I’ve gotten to know Erendira this year, a few defining qualities have stood out to me; her tenacious work ethic, resilient spirit and a heart full of compassion.” Erendira said her life has been shaped by both challenges and resilience. “As the oldest of four, I have always felt a deep sense of responsibility towards my family,” she said. Growing up she watched her family face many hardships and struggle with homelessness and domestic violence, issues that scarred her emotionally. In 2024, her mother was diagnosed with cancer. Erendira became her support while caring for her siblings, one with cystic fibrosis and one with a disability. There were moments when she felt overwhelmed, but she never gave up hope. Thankfully her mother is now cancer-free. Through everything, Erendira remained dedicated to her education. She plans to attend community college to finish her general education and prerequisites for nursing before transferring to a four-year university to earn her bachelor’s degree in that discipline. “My goal is to become a nurse who not only provides medical care but also offers compassion and understanding to families facing difficult times, especially the ones like mine,” she said.

Aaron Turner

West Valley High School Principal Cynthia Leon introduced Aaron as “one of the sweetest kids ever.” Despite challenges, he had straight As last semester and is a valuable member of the chamber choir. His one-on-one aide Ivory Reichenecker has worked with Aaron for the past three years. “One of the best things that reflects who Aaron is comes from his time in choir, the class he enjoys the most,” she said. “He understands that success is not only measured by hard work but also by the care and respect you show others and that lesson will carry him far beyond this school.” Aaron said, “I come from a family that has always supported me and encouraged me to keep going even when things felt difficult. Even when things were challenging, I continued to show up and try my best, learning the value of dedication and growth along the way.” Aaron plans to attend MSJC and pursue a career as a graphic designer. “I am excited to combine creative and purpose and use my skills to express ideas, tell stories and make meaningful connections through design.” His mother, Chariss Turner, said Aaron’s condition is Duchenne muscular dystrophy. “Most boys don’t make it this far so the fact Aaron is here is a blessing; we are so grateful.” She thanked Hemet Unified School District for helping when other districts could not. “What the district and the school and the teachers offer is outstanding,” Turner said. “As a parent, when you drop your kid off and you know you have people that are going to take care of your kids and give them all the resources that they need, it’s a blessing. “So kudos to the people that care about our students,” she said.

San Jacinto Unified School District

Christopher Garcia

San Jacinto Leadership Academy Principal Mike Luna said Christopher has been with the school since sixth grade. Despite challenges this past year, his perseverance and determination have been an example of what grit is. Spanish teacher Elena Bazaldua said, “Chris’ journey over this past year is a powerful example of resilience and strength. After losing his father, Chris could have stepped back but instead, he chose to move forward.” Christopher said one of the things that he has remembered for most of his life is that there are 86,400 seconds in a day. “If you got that much money every day and you were able to spend it all and it came back every day, you would try to spend as much money as possible, buying all the things you’ve always wanted,” he said.  “That’s how many seconds there are in this day so don’t waste them.” Christopher likes to do creative things such as writing, playing the guitar and being active in his community. “When my dad passed away it was like a reality check,” he said. “Fate has this thing of giving you all that you want right before the end.” A week before he lost his father, Christopher was able to spend more quality time with him than usual. He plans to take a gap year to concentrate on his music before heading to college.

Elizabeth Schmitz

San Jacinto High School Principal Lloyd Sheppard introduced Elizabeth as “one of those shining examples that continue to remind us of why we do what we do at each of our school sites to support our students.” He continued, “She reminded us of the value of personal connection that is sometimes overlooked at a large high school. She is also an example of student voice and why it’s so important for us to ensure that we’re listening to what our students need to help us be successful.” Registrar Luisana Martinez said Elizabeth is on track to complete her associate’s degree before her high school diploma. Elizabeth said she has attended about a dozen different schools until now. “My life hasn’t exactly been easy,” she said. “Life’s not been kind and neither was my mother. She had a mental illness, and it really hurt me and my brother.” A stepfather recognized she was being neglected as a child and tried to help. “My future hasn’t always been bright,” Elizabeth said. She admitted contemplating suicide before she was 13. “Due to technology, we are losing authentication in our world,” she said. She feels social communication is critical. “We now have a student forum at SJHS and in February we’re hoping to start town halls to invite all students to have a voice,” Elizabeth said.

For more information, www.studentofthemonth.net.

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Program founder and meeting facilitator Karena Zermeno also represented one of the sponsors, Altura Credit Union. Backpacks filled with gifts, a plaque, certificates of recognition and much more were donated by the program’s sponsors and will be delivered to each recipient. The students were given the opportunity to thank their families and school staff who have supported them and helped them plan their future life goals. March’s students of the month from Hemet Unified School District schools were Yenifer Aparicio Galindo, Byron Gonzalez, Charlotte Halliday, Devon Martin and Christopher Williams.

San Jacinto Unified students were Destiny McKenna and Yailene Perez. In his opening prayer, San Jacinto Assembly of God Pastor Jeff Johnson reminded everyone that a year ago students were put on a new path they had to learn to navigate in a new way. This was the last monthly meeting of the school year and a Student of the Year celebration to announce scholarship winners from all those previously honored is being planned. West Valley’s Yenifer Aparicio Galindo was nominated by her Spanish teacher, Antonio Ramos. She aspires to be a pediatric nurse. Principal Shannyn Cahoon said in talking to all the senior students, she has noted a sense of maturity and growth and Yenifer is no exception. “I’m proud of all of our students and how they have adapted to everything,” she said. Byron Gonzalez is a standout student at Western Center Academy and was nominated by his Academic Decathlon Coach Rex McDonald.

He said Byron received overall high marks as the team’s leader and has a 4.8 GPA with 10 college courses and 11 AP courses to his credit. “He has been able to create a culture of inclusion and of kindness and has the ability to work through adversity and find those people that are in need and to be a person of support to them,” Executive Director and Principal Paul Bailey said. “It’s pretty incredible to see some of the things that he’s been able to do and the impact that he’s had in building lasting memories for everyone at our school site.” Byron said money has always been an issue for his family and when the pandemic hit, he took a part-time job at Little Caesars to “step up and help out” because the bills don’t go away just because there is a crisis.

Byron has already received many college acceptance letters and plans to major in biology or chemistry and work in the science and health care fields. Charlotte Halliday of Hamilton High School came to America from Scotland and was able to find a place for herself through band and soccer at school. She wants to become a school therapist after earning her psychology degree. “While moving onto this next chapter of my life, the idea that one day I will be able to help kids just I have been helped throughout the years keeps me going,” she said. “As a child, I often felt I didn’t fit in and I was very confused by the culture.

After coming to Hamilton, I was blessed to be surrounded by teachers who understood that mental health (issues) were to be considered more than teenage angst and that the problems I and many other students are dealing with matter.” Hemet High School senior Devon Martin was honored for being such a strong self-advocate. After high school he will be attending RCC and is interested in video game design and development. When students were able to be on campus in person, Devon was the student leader of the gamer’s club and cooking club.

Hemet High’s Susan Lawler said Devon shared that he had been in a car accident that led to his uncle passing away which piloted him to make changes in his life. “He shared with me that he’s learned how important it is to stay in contact with his family and friends,” Lawler said. “Devon also has a learning disability and works harder to advocate for his needs, the needs of others and understanding of material. He plans to pay it forward by helping others through difficult times.” Christopher Williams was Tahquitz High’s choice for March. He has excelled in his school’s Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps, earning the rank of Master Gunnery Sergeant and plans to enlist in the U.S. Marines.

After the death of his mom when he was 11 and moving to Hemet when he started high school, he was grateful to find leadership, love and caring among the military-based program. “I use everything in my life as a motivation and I’ve learned to expect the unexpected,” he said. Mountain View honored Destiny McKenna, who has already completed her graduation requirements. Her math teacher, Karin Lee, said Destiny serves as a great example to her peers about what it means to be a scholar. With plans to enter the field of psychology, Destiny hopes to one day host workshops for young people and continue to better herself.

Yailene Perez was singled out for being an inspirational student and leader at San Jacinto High School, always pushing others to do better. Teaching and mentoring children at her church has led her to pursue a career as a child and adolescent psychiatrist. She has witnessed mental health issues within her own family and among her friends and wants to help others in any way she can. “I want to help struggling kids find the right way on their path and be a mentor and friend to them as well,” Yailene said.

“I’ve seen where childhood pain still affects them, and I want them to have a healthy future.” Peter Daniels, Director of Community Engagement and Partnerships for Riverside County Office of Education, told the students that although their stories reflected their unique challenges and each possesses their own special and amazing gifts they shared similar qualities such as fearlessness, overcoming obstacles and finding opportunities, resilience, working hard, achievements, responsibility and determination. Those qualities spell the word forward.

“Keep moving forward, pay it forward and we look forward to learning about your future successes,” Daniels said. Information, www.studentofthemonth.net

Diane A. Rhodes

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