The latest — and final — project funded by the measure was celebrated Thursday at MSJC’s Menifee campus: Regional leaders, educators, and community partners turned out for a ribbon-cutting and dedication for the Menifee Valley Campus Math and Science Building.

“Inside this building, there are modern classrooms, labs, and learning environments that support discovery, collaboration, and hands-on learning,” said MSJC Superintendent/President Dr. Roger Schultz. “These are the kinds of spaces that help students succeed, whether they are preparing for transfer, entering the workforce, or exploring new possibilities for their future.”

Celebrating the completion of a building that cost about $50 million to build was not the only reason to gather.

Measure AA — the voter-approved bond passed in 2014 that allowed MSJC to modernize and expand its San Jacinto, Menifee, and Temecula campuses, including the new STEM building — was completed. According to MSJC, 13 campus projects were funded by Measure AA over the years, including the opening of the Temecula campus and the 2023 completion of the Menifee campus stadium. Other notable Measure AA-funded projects include the San Jacinto campus STEM building, Science Village on the Menifee campus, and the creation of a digital media studio at the Menifee campus.

“When voters approved this bond measure, they invested in more than brick and mortar — they invested in opportunity,” MSJC Student Trustee Claudia Walukouw said. “This [Menifee Valley Campus Math and Science Building] represents the belief that every MSJC student deserves access to spaces where curiosity can flourish, and futures can take shape.”

Last week’s event also recognized MSJC’s Independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee, whose members provided accountability and stewardship throughout the Measure AA program.

In addition to the ribbon cutting, guests participated in an open house featuring campus resource tables, instructional labs, classrooms, and tours of the recently opened Studio215 and ieNOW facilities.

To learn more about Measure AA and the projects it supported, visit www.msjc.edu/measureaa.

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“It takes a team effort, not just the staff, but with the families, too,” Post said. “It takes working together to get things done and this is the end result of the love and support you provide. We have students who are successful and moving forward so we appreciate you for everything you do.”

The celebration was divided into two sessions, which began with the middle school. Emcee Jacquelin Phillips announced the students who made the Honor Roll by earning a GPA of 3.0-3.49. They are Gabriel Gladin, Jose Leon, Ayashe Miranda, Meeqas Soto, Ashwut Castello, Carter Covington, Veronica Kolb, Aswet Luna-Malone, Mary Rose Morreo, and Ashkii Ortiz.

The next group called to the front to receive their medal and certificate were those who made the Distinguished Honor Roll with a GPA of 3.5-3.99. Those students are Jaylynne Lagunas, Nayelli Miranda, Tulovat Temanxwanvish, Aiyana Diaz, Navaya Masiel, Josiah Porter, Aydreean Garcia, Sally Lopez-Reyes, Nadillyn Mendoza, Monica Rivera, and Avasily Temanxwanvish.

One outstanding student received a medal, certificate and Principal’s Award plaque for a perfect 4.0 GPA. Sixth-grader Marilyn Mendoza was congratulated and recognized for this achievement.

Post then announced, “We have one child in the entire school who has that perfect attendance and Ms. Phillips added a Starbucks gift card to her award because this is something that is very difficult to get these days. This award is like one of those 300-win pitchers. It’s something you just don’t see anymore so it’s an outstanding achievement. Congratulations Avasily Temanxwanvish.”

Teachers were asked to vote for the student in each grade they felt demonstrated the best leadership/citizenship qualities, the one who showed outstanding improvement and the one who best embodies the school’s core values of the 3Rs—respect, responsibility and reflection.

Phillips announced the middle school students singled out for Outstanding Citizenship awards. They are Jose Leon, Aswet Luna-Malone, and Monica Rivera. Those who earned 3R awards are Marilyn Mendoza, Mary Rose Morreo, and Aydreean Garcia.

Post introduced the Outstanding Improvement students and said he loves giving out this award each year because these students do something out of the ordinary. He said they don’t give up and show a lot of resilience, perseverance, and the ability to get outside their comfort zone and ask for help.

“This could mean asking a teacher for extra help, working with a tutor or finding a friend to help them overcome an obstacle,” he said. “To me, this award shows a lot more of what these kids have going on. I find that these kids will be successful in college and beyond because it’s all about overcoming obstacles. It doesn’t matter how gifted you are academically or financially, everyone runs into a wall at some point, and these kids have shown that they can figure it out or know where to get help to climb over that wall and keep moving forward. That’s why I think this award means a lot to me.”

He congratulated the following middle school students who came forward to receive their medal and certificate. They are Kyle Kolb, Navaya Masiel, and Sukutt Morreo.

Individual teachers gave certificates to students who have gone over and beyond in their classrooms. Tashina Ornelas teaches culture classes for sixth graders this year. She said all her students did great in the first semester with almost all of them earning an A.

“I’m looking for a student who pushes beyond and isn’t just doing what I expect them to do or what I ask them to do,” she said. “They are trying to help me out, they are making a point every day to be here, and they make the effort and to give back to the community too. So, one of the students who has been really good for me in Beading Club as well is Jaylynne Lagunas. She is a great student and is always pushing herself so I’m really proud of her.”

English teacher Emma Herrera recognized students she felt made connections with the subject and put forth great effort. They are Sally Lopez-Reyes and Aydreean Garcia. She also teaches eighth-grade culture classes and said Avasily Temanxwanvish and Samuel Venegas exhibited the core values and great attitude she was looking for in her students.

Sabrina Smith teaches science and assists Andrea Duran with the AVID program. She presented Aiyana Diaz and Monica Rivera with AVID awards. Sixth grade students who had their first introduction to AVID and responded well to learning about the program are Marilyn Mendoza, Jose Leon, and Gabriel Gladin.

Receiving Excellence in Science certificates are Jaylynne Lagunas, Tulovat Temanxwanvish, Nayelli Miranda, Ashkii Ortiz, Aiyana Diaz, Avasily Temanxwanvish, and Monica Rivera.

“These students are not just strong in science, but they are students who have persisted through any struggle,” Smith said. “These are students who have offered to help other students, to be leaders in that class.”

History teacher Justin Thillens gave awards for Scholarly Excellence to Jose Leon, Marilyn Mendoza, Mary Rose Morreo, and Nadillyn Mendoza. Awardees who showed the spirit of historical inquiry and got really interested in the content and material and asked lots of questions were Aswet Luna-Malone and Gabriel Gladin.

Excellence in Math awards were received by Monica Rivera, Sally Lopez-Reyes, and Avasily Temanxwanvish. Their teacher, Kekei Bryant, also treated them with a Raising Cane’s gift certificate. Jonathon Ruiz, who teaches math for grades 6 and 7, along with his duties as Athletic Director for the school and Physical Education teacher, awarded certificates for excellence in math to sixth graders Jaylynne Lagunas, Jose Leon, Marilyn Mendoza, Ayashe Miranda, Tulovat Temanxwanvish, and Nayelli Miranda. Seventh-grade math students he honored are Ashwut Castello, Veronica Kolb, Mary Rose Morreo, and Josiah Porter.

Excellence in Physical Education went to students who are working hard. They are Avasily Temanxwanvish, Brian Moreno-Ortiz, Monica Rivera, Ashkii Ortiz, and Kisil Morreo.

The award for Leadership in Drama went to Sally Lopez-Reyes.

Phillips, who also teaches reading, gave awards to outstanding and most improved English students. They are Tulovat Temanxwanvish, Aiyana Diaz and Ever Lopez Reyes.

Summer Herrera teaches art and culture classes, and she gave awards to Josiah Porter and Aydreean Rose Garcia.

With a short break between the celebrations, some parents and other family members stayed in their seats in the bleachers because they have multiple students at Noli. Post welcomed all the attendees as high school students took their seats.

“We are teachers and we are also parents, so we understand everything that goes into helping your kids be successful so thank you for all you do,” he said. “As much as we want to reward the students for everything they’ve done, we have to thank parents and other family members who have contributed to their success through love and support.”

High school Honor Roll students are Phyllis Morreo, Jeffrey Arres, Howard Lomas-Toro, Davina Masiel, Akwaalimay Resvaloso, Monique Russell, Edgar Gladin, Selaya Helms, Juan Flores, Kenneth Razon, Francisco Lemus, and Leland Razon.

Distinguished Honor Roll students are Ani Hampton, Tam Hurtado, Hazel Lopez-Reyes, Henry Romero Rios, Nevaeh Ochoa, Myah Saenz, Ronald Morillo, Sophia Resvaloso, and Shawna Rivera.

The Principal’s Award for those with 4.0 and above GPAs were earned by Marilyn Mendoza, Victoria Boiso, Samantha Gladin, Elizabeth Lehuede, Harlow Ortiz, Kolokomay Temanxwanvish, and Eric Hampton.

Outstanding Citizenship awards went to Henry Romero-Rios, Akwaalimay Resvaloso, Shawna Rivera, and Victoria Boiso.

Celine “CJ” Hollingsworth, Tla’Loc Galvan, Brian Lagunas, and Serena Hawk were rewarded for their outstanding improvement during the first semester.

High schoolers who were voted by teachers as the best representatives of the school’s core values of the 3Rs—respect, responsibility and reflection are Harlow Ortiz, Kolokolomay Temanxwanvish, Myah Saenz, and Sophia Resvaloso.

Ornelas returned to present awards for those who excel in her Beading I and Cultural Materials classes. She said her students are all doing well so she had to look to those who have been showing extra effort since day one. She chose Christopher Lagunas, Victoria Boiso, Harlow Ortiz, Celine “CJ” Hollingsworth, and Kolokolomay Temanxwanvish.

Thillens gave two different awards for students in his 10-12 grade history classes. Those receiving Scholarly Excellence awards are Henry Romero Rios, Eric Hampton, and Sophia Resvaloso. Recipients of his Exultation of Historical Inquiry are Jeffrey Arres, Brian Lagunas, and Edgar Gladin. Francisco Lemus and Serena Hawk earned a Certificate of Civic Merit, given to those who advocate for themselves.

Ruiz gave four awards to PE students who were chosen for their good habits. They are Eric Hampton, Ronald Morillo, Juan Flores, and Jeffrey Arres.

High School Science teacher Jay Dagostino presented Edgar Gladin with an Excellence in Solar Electric for his great dedication to learning the trade and a Certificate for Excellence in Biology to Hazel Lopez Reyes for always going over and beyond on all projects, labs and assignments.

Students earning awards for their outstanding performance in Andrea Duran’s Spanish classes are Victoria Boiso, Samantha Gladin, Henry Romero Rios, Kolokolomay Temanxwanvish, and Nevaeh Ochoa.

One student from each grade level was chosen by Duran for all their hard work and dedication within the AVID program. They are Elizabeth Lehuede, Henry Romero Rios, Eric Hampton, and Ronald Morillo.

Sabrina Smith selected Harlow Ortiz and Samantha Gladin as standouts in her Honors Biology class. Eric Hampton, Shawna Rivera, and Myah Saenz were singled out for asking challenging questions and helping other students in her Oceanography class.

Bryant recognized her math students for their efforts. Myah Saenz, “who does amazing work every single day” and Eric Hampton, who she said she has had the pleasure of having as a student for four years were among those honored. Other Algebra students she awarded certificates to are Victoria Boiso, Harlow Ortiz, Hazel Lopez Reyes, Sophia Resvaloso, Samantha Gladin, and Elizabeth Lahuede. Kolokolomay Temanxwanvish is at the top of the class in geometry.

English teacher Emma Herrera said it is a very challenging subject, and she works to make assignments relevant. Those who stood out as not only producing great work but participating in class are Elizabeth Lehuede, Samantha Gladin, Victoria Boiso, Jerimyah Saenz, and Henry Romero Rios.

She said the juniors and seniors have a lot more mandatory work to do and those who have exceeded her expectations are Akwaalimay Resvaloso, Eric Hampton, Myah Saenz, Edgar Gladin, Shawna Rivera, Sophia Resvaloso, and Ronald Morillo.

Summer Herrera presented Hazel Lopez Reyes with a Cultural Excellence award. Celine “CJ” Hollingsworth received the Leadership in Drama award as well as one for Excellence in Reading.

Phillips also presented senior Serena Hawk with an Excellence in English award and Edgar Gladin received a certificate for Excellence in Consumer Education.

Post said all teachers look forward to seeing even more students at future Academic Awards Celebrations.

For more information, https://noliindianschool.net.

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This prestigious honor reflects the team’s strong commitment to academic achievement alongside athletic performance. The 3C2A Scholar Team designation represents a standard of excellence to which all collegiate teams aspire and highlights the dedication, discipline, and perseverance demonstrated by MSJC’s student-athletes both in the classroom and on the sand.

“We are incredibly proud of our Beach Volleyball student-athletes for this well-earned recognition,” said MSJC Superintendent/President Dr. Roger Schultz. “This honor showcases our commitment to developing well-rounded students who excel academically while competing at a high level.”

The MSJC Beach Volleyball team will be formally recognized at the 3C2A Scholar-Athlete Luncheon, scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, as part of the annual 3C2A Convention in Burbank, California. The luncheon celebrates scholar-athletes and scholar teams from across the state, including students who have achieved academic success while overcoming significant challenges.

As part of the recognition, MSJC will also honor individual members of the Beach Volleyball team for their academic accomplishments.

This achievement reflects Mt. San Jacinto College’s ongoing commitment to student success, emphasizing the importance of academic excellence, personal growth, and leadership through athletics.

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Brown said her main goal while coordinating the event was to create an atmosphere that allowed the students to have exposure to a variety of options, just like a public college and career fair offers. “After seeing the list of available vendors, the students commented on the fact that I listened to their responses on the survey I conducted,” she said.

As the purpose of the day was to light a fire under the students, vendors were encouraged to share what they do, what their day-to-day looks like and to answer questions about any aspect of their industry. Another new addition this year was the ability of students to mingle with as many vendors as they wanted to with no time limit.

“Thank you for being here to share and educate our students,” Noli teacher Sonia Modesto told the vendors. “We appreciate your input.”

The entire student body attended at the same time, divided into two sessions with a short break in between. They were free to visit any table of interest to them and there was plenty of movement among the 60-plus tables set up throughout the Soboba Sports Complex gymnasium. A few representatives, such as the Soboba Fire Department, Riverside County Sheriff’s Department and a few branches of the military, were stationed outside the building.

Legacy Bank’s Business Development Officer Cyndi Lemke and CEO Bill Nethercott explained financial literacy to students who stopped at their table.

Lemke said the questions varied by age range with older students asking about the type of education needed to get into the banking business and younger ones asking about the types of accounts they could open. She said many were surprised to learn the bank is owned by the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians. This fact provided a vested interest to those young people who are also Tribal members. Please visit www.legacybankca.com for more information.

PNC Bank Branch Bankers Tracie Bannister and Zulema Carrasco shared the fact their bank offers a great summer internship program opportunity for college students, in conjunction with Cal State San Marcos.

The Native American Lawyers Association of San Diego was represented by its president Angela Medrano, a Cahuilla Tribal member. She shared the many programs that are offered through NALA, which was established in 1995 for professional development, networking, and support of Native American lawyers and Indian law practitioners. For more information, https://nalasd.org.

Trade schools focusing on nursing, cosmetology and other fields were popular among the students who expressed interest in how long it takes to become certified and/or licensed.

Entrepreneurs piqued the interest of students from all grade levels. Cynthia Rodriquez opened Cynthia’s Sweet Treats in 2022 and has recently expanded by adding two more locations through Tim Moran Chevrolet and Ford dealerships in Hemet.

“The majority of my business consists of custom orders,” Rodriquez said. “We also specialize in catering to all dietary restrictions, which makes us unique.”

Rodriquez graduated from the Art Institute of California and spent two years as chef at the Soboba Tribal Preschool. For more information, https://cynthiasweettreats.co.

Another fair favorite is Stylish Culture with Anthony Trujillo, who is a Noli Indian School alumnus and talented graphic designer. He focuses on Native design and fashion that runs the gamut from coloring books and greeting cards to backpacks and tee-shirts.

The self-taught artist began his family-owned and operated business with the support of his family while he was a high school senior. He has recently connected with the Bonsall Unified School District who plan to incorporate his Native Traditions coloring book into their schools’ lower grades. To learn more, please visit https://stylish-culture-clothing.square.site.

For those looking for a way to combine their love of animals with a future career, Riverside County Department of Animal Services representatives shared the types of paths they could take. Volunteer Michelle Martinez explained that the San Jacinto Animal Campus seeks volunteers who are 16 and older to help with a variety of daily tasks, from taking photos of adoptable animals to feeding them and doing laundry. She pointed out that their time would count as community service hours, a common high school graduation requirement, while teaching them about the industry.

Cecilia Olivares has been on staff with RCDAS for about 10 years, stationed at the San Jacinto location for the past four months. She explained to students that there is an array of duties for those that want to dedicate their time to animals of all shapes and sizes.

Julie Freeman, who serves as Dance department chair at both Mt. San Jacinto College campuses, shared how students do not need to be dance majors to benefit from taking classes, but that there are a lot of career pathways in the field if they so choose.

Dance offers transferable and marketable skills for everyone. Freeman explained that communication and confidence are enhanced through an expressive body and that collaboration and critical thinking skills are a key part of the subject.

Lucia Napolez is a project analyst who was sharing all the great opportunities at San Diego Miramar College. She provided information about the Native Resource Center that recently opened as well as the fact that Miramar is the only community college that is offering certificates and degrees in the field of Diesel Technology. It also offers courses in aviation technology.

She wanted students to know that once they are sophomores, they can apply for dual enrollment, which is paid for by the state. “If they are diligent, they can earn an associate degree along with their high school diploma,” Napolez said.

A Bingo game added to the excitement of the afternoon. With cards containing generic topics such as entrepreneur, finances, and medical, students had to seek out representatives and ask a pertinent question to get their Bingo square initialed. Because of the wide array of careers and higher education offered, it was not difficult for them to quickly complete their cards.

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Poly High topped Riverside’s Notre Dame High last week to take the championship title in the 43rd annual Riverside County Mock Trial Competition.

The Poly High team will go on to the state meet, slated for March 14- 16 in Los Angeles.

“Congratulations to the student competitors … who all have a very bright future ahead of them — whether that is in the legal field, in higher education, or in their professional pursuits,” county Superintendent of Schools Edwin Gomez said. “I look forward to seeing Poly High School once again represent Riverside County at the state competition.”

Notre Dame High was awarded the second place trophy, while Murrieta Valley High and Temecula High shared third prize after the semifinal and final rounds concluded on Tuesday.

The Office of Education, in partnership with the Constitutional Rights Foundation, Riverside County Bar Association and the Superior Court, sponsor the competitions annually. They generally draw more than 400 participants. The county began holding student-level mock trials in 1983. More than 14,000 youths have participated since then, organizers said.

This year’s contest challenged students to successfully argue the fictitious case of People v. Gold, involving an alleged kidnapping amid a heated local political race in the make-believe community of Emerald Bend, California. The defendant, Logan Gold, was accused of abducting his wife’s rival candidate in a city council election to prevent the victim from appearing for a scheduled debate.

Students were tasked with analyzing forensic evidence, admissibility of statements, possible due process infringements and other matters during the trials.

Teams consisting of eight to 25 students played the parts of deputy district attorneys, defense attorneys, bailiffs, witnesses, clerks and investigators. Contestants were given an allotted time, generally four to six minutes, at each stage of a proceeding, including opening statements, closing arguments and cross-examinations.

Practicing attorneys and judges assessed students’ performance, awarding points in accordance with criteria established for the contest.

Students from public and private high schools are permitted to take part.

Poly High also won the county’s 2024 contest. Its teams consistently make it into the semifinals.

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RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — A new grant will support and expand student preparedness and career pathways for students in seven Riverside County school districts, and key institutions of higher education in the region.

The $1 million grant was awarded to the Riverside County Office of Education and participating districts by the Inland Empire Regional K-16 Education Collaborative, a subset of the California Regional K-16 Education Collaborative Grant.

The grant funds will improve student preparedness and successful career pathways in the fields of education, engineering, and computing, for students at the Riverside County Office of Education, multiple school districts, Mt. San Jacinto College, and California State University San Marcos.

Along with schools operated by the Riverside County Office of Education, the participating Riverside County districts include Beaumont USD, Hemet USD, Lake Elsinore USD, Nuview Union SD, Perris Union High SD, Temecula Valley USD, and Val Verde USD.

“Supporting the postsecondary dreams of students in the Inland Empire is essential to the advancement of the region in the 21st century,” said Riverside County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Edwin Gomez. “This grant furthers the ongoing college and career readiness work and the partnerships that are required to ensure pathways to success for all students.”

In the area of student preparedness for postsecondary education, the grant will create a High School+1+2+1 Education Pathway for completion of an undergraduate degree and teaching credential with higher education partners from MSJC and CSUSM.

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