Local program founder and Student of the Month Committee member Karena Zermeno-Leon emceed the event. She also represents program sponsors Karena Zermeno Realtor and Cave Restaurant at Oak Mountain Winery. 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.

February’s students of the month from Hemet Unified School District are Aidan DeSanto, Celeste Lopez, Kenia Lupercio Gomez, and Timothy Wisda. San Jacinto Unified honorees for February are Isabelle Millan and Allison Norman.

Hemet Unified School District

Aidan DeSanto

Tahquitz High School Principal Andrew Holmes introduced Aidan as an academic scholar who has been in the AVID program for more than four years. “He excels not only academically but he’s got a lot of talents,” Holmes said. “He participates in dance and this is one of his passions.” English teacher Molly Otis said, “I love Aidan’s ‘I can’ attitude, his imagination, his commitment, his affirmation and the fact that he never gives up.” Aidan said, “I believe that through my experiences as a competitive dancer, four years of AVID, and as the social media manager and Link Crew member, I can inspire students to take every opportunity that is handed to you, no matter how tired or unmotivated you may feel at the time.” He plans to become a teacher so he can inspire kids to learn. Aidan unexpectedly lost his father a year and a half ago, which affected him deeply and in many negative ways. “It helped me realize that none of us truly are promised tomorrow. And to take every moment in and appreciate the people you love and care about the most,” he said. “I would like to close this by saying I hope to be viewed as a light to my community. No matter how hard my days are or what I’m going through, I never want to be the reason someone has a bad day or be viewed as a negative person. I hope to be the reason that someone feels valued or loved because I know love is what the world needs.”

Celeste Lopez

Western Center Academy Executive Director Paul Bailey introduced Celeste’s ASB advisor Maura Trujillo to talk about her. “Celeste is a remarkable student, leader, and human being,” she said. “She has consistently shown what   dedication and discipline look like in action. Celeste leads with heart. Through ASB leadership, National Honor Society, and years of service in her church and community, she has uplifted others, created connections, and made people feel seen. She pours her joy into dance, her compassion into working with children, and her faith into everything she does.” Celeste said her world crumbled after her father left and she was forced to move. A chaotic home life led her to feel isolated, scared, sad, and betrayed. She chose not to let her situation break her but rather to push her past her limits and force her to grow over time. “I held onto pursuing academics, hobbies, and serving others. Since before high school, I volunteered weekly through dance school and church,” Celeste said. “Giving my time reminded me that even when life feels like it’s falling apart, and you are too, you still have something to give.” She is working towards her dream of becoming a labor and delivery nurse with a certification as an ultrasound technician because she wants to “encourage, protect, and care for a new life at the very beginning.”

Kenia Lupercio Gomez

West Valley High School Principal Cynthia Leon said Kenia is a model student. “In spite of the challenges she’s faced, she continues to persevere and we’re so proud of her,” Leon said. Teacher Valerie Lopez congratulated Kenia on being honored. “You have a 4.0 GPA, you have a job, you are heavily involved with Latinos Unidos on campus, and it has been such a pleasure to see you grow and to see you be a leader,” she said. Kenia said from a young age, she understood that her life was different than those of her classmates. Since the age of three, Kenia’s mother was living in the United States while she was living in Mexico with her grandmother because her father would not be responsible for her. “When the day finally came to reunite with my mother in the United States, I felt nervous yet hopeful,” Kenia said. Upon arrival, she learned that her mother had begun a new life and a new family. Starting school here without speaking English proved to be another challenge but with a dedicated teacher’s help, she was able to become fluent in six months. However, she went back to Mexico for several years and all this instability took a toll on her mental health, causing anxiety and depression. “I am committed to pursuing higher education, achieving success and proving that obstacles do not define limits, they create strength,” Kenia said. “My end goal is to become a clinical psychologist.  I also want to continue with my folklorico dancing career to always remember my roots and embrace my culture.”

Timothy Wisda

Hamilton High School Principal Kari Sanchez said that due to unforeseen circumstances, Timothy was unable to attend the ceremony. Additionally, his nominating teacher was under the weather and could not be there. Rather than cancel, Sanchez reminded herself of the purpose of the event being about perseverance and getting through unexpected circumstances that are beyond our control. So she came from Anza to offer her congratulations to all the students being honored and to share a little bit about Timothy. “He has been through quite a bit,” she said. “He made some poor choices early on in his high school career but turned that all around. He’s now a three-sport athlete; an active member on our football, wrestling and baseball teams. He’s currently earning all As and Bs, and he is just the most respectful young man.” At a later date Sanchez was able to meet with Timothy and present him with his backpack and Student of the Month trophy. She said he expressed much gratitude and was apologetic that he could not attend the breakfast. “Motivation gets me started, but daily consistency is what has made the difference for me,” Timothy said.

San Jacinto Unified School District

Isabelle Millan

Mountain View High School Principal Ken Swanson introduced Trisha Ochoa, Isabelle’s Social Studies teacher. “Students come to Mountain View with many different paths and experiences,” she said. “What stood out to me about Isabelle was her determination and her willingness to work toward the goals she set for herself no matter the challenges along the way.” Isabelle said people often tell stories about growing up with difficult childhoods. “I wouldn’t say mine was terrible, but like everyone, I experienced hardship that shaped me into who I am today.” She said her mother’s strength, sacrifices and love inspired her. “She showed me what perseverance looked like long before I knew I would need it myself,” Isabelle said. “Growing up, I was a total daddy’s girl. So when my father suddenly got deported and my parents separated, it felt like my world shattered overnight. I didn’t just lose my dad being around, but I lost a sense of security I had as a child.” Her mental health suffered. She transferred to Mountain View as a senior and said although it’s different from a traditional high school, different does not mean less. “Behind the label is a school filled with some of the most caring, dedicated, and genuine educators I have ever met,” Isabelle said. “I walked in feeling dumb, ashamed, and like a failure. I walked in thinking I didn’t belong anywhere, but they all changed my life.” She went from thinking she wouldn’t graduate at all to graduating on Dec. 16th, completing her CNA program and being accepted into Grand Canyon University’s pre-nursing program.

Allison Norman

San Jacinto High School Principal Lloyd Sheppard congratulated Allison for being a CIF League Champion on the tennis court in November. Education specialist and cheer coach Jennifer Draw said, “Allison has consistently demonstrated exceptional academic excellence throughout her high school years. She has had straight As all four years of high school. She has set a remarkable standard of dedication and perseverance. But Allison is much more than just a stellar student. She is a well-rounded young woman who excels in many areas.” Beyond school, Allison is already positively impacting community youth by giving tennis lessons and working at Charlotte’s Gymnastics. “I played four years of tennis at SJHS, I’ve done cheer for two years, and if that were not enough, I was also in ASB for the past three years,” Allison said. “ASB made a huge impact on my ability to socialize with others and had given me a sense of accomplishment. Tennis and cheer made it possible to excel in activities related to sports, which all of my family is deeply involved in. All of these things made a direct impact on my schedule both daily and weekly. Balancing my education with all of my activities is very important to me.” She credits her success to the overwhelming support she has always received from her parents and grandparents. During her high school years, both her mother and grandmother were diagnosed with cancer. “Cancer used to frighten me as I did not know much about it, but I quickly learned that treatment is possible. Nevertheless, I was affected by these events,” Allison said.

For more information, www.studentofthemonth.net.

The post San Jacinto Valley students honored in February appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

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.

The post San Jacinto Valley students honored in January appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

Her experiment titled “Stinky Cheese” compared which storage methods would keep certain types of cheese fresher longer: original packaging, plastic food storage bag or glass container.

“I chose this topic because I was thinking cheese would be interesting to do,” said Wish, who turns 10 years old in February. “I learned from the process that it was fun learning about cheese, but it was a lot of work to do.”

She spent about a week on her experiment and discovered a surprising result. She found that cheddar cheese developed mold faster than pepper jack cheese in a zippered food storage bag, which she had hypothesized would be the worst.

On January 15, SJUSD hosted its annual District Science Fair, celebrating curiosity, creativity, and scientific thinking among students in grades 4–12. The district’s website shared that the event featured the top projects from each school, highlighting the hard work and ingenuity of students who conducted experiments or designed original prototypes as part of their site-level science competitions.

A wide range of projects were on display, with titles such as Bouncy Eggs, The Best Power Plant, Which Filtration Method Makes the Cleanest Water?, Smart Cane, Stinky Cheese, Under Pressure, and Which Brand of Battery Will Last Longer? Each project demonstrated strong research skills, problem-solving, and a passion for discovery.

Although Wish’s project was not among the 11 that were selected to advance to the Riverside County Science and Engineering Fair on Feb. 27, the District Science Fair was a true celebration of student innovation and a testament to the bright future of science in area schools.

It’s no surprise that this is Wish’s favorite subject in school.

“I like science because it’s fun to do experiments,” she said.

The post Budding scientist from Soboba shares her project appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

The QuestBridge scholarship is a highly competitive program that connected 2,550 finalists from a pool of more than 20,000 applicants with 55 top colleges and universities. Each finalist demonstrated exceptional academic achievement and readiness to excel on college campuses and beyond. Each Match Scholarship recipient receives early admission and a full four-year scholarship covering tuition, housing, meals, books, and other educational expenses, ensuring that an education at a top college is affordable for students and their families.

As a cadet at San Jacinto Leadership Academy, Uzziel has demonstrated a strong commitment to service, personal growth, and academic rigor—qualities that align with both the mission of QuestBridge and the values of Columbia University.

Uzziel was formally recognized for this outstanding accomplishment at the December San Jacinto Unified School District Board of Trustees meeting, where he was acknowledged by San Jacinto Leadership Academy Principal Michael Luna for his dedication, leadership, and academic success.

Columbia University, located in New York City, is internationally recognized for its rigorous academics, global impact, and commitment to developing future leaders across disciplines. Uzziel plans to begin his studies in the fall of 2026, joining a select group of QuestBridge Scholars nationwide.

San Jacinto Unified School District congratulates Uzziel Uriarte Ledezma on this remarkable achievement and celebrates his dedication, leadership, and academic excellence.

The post San Jacinto Leadership Academy Student Uzziel Uriarte Ledezma Awarded Prestigious QuestBridge Full-Ride Scholarship to Columbia University appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

More than 400 attendees were on hand to celebrate the district’s newest and largest elementary school. The campus sits on 12 acres, with buildings covering 77,000 square feet. Student capacity, allowing for future growth, is 950 students with about half that amount starting there Aug. 7.

 Guest speakers at the ribbon cutting included SJUSD Superintendent David Pyle, Soboba Tribal Council Chairman Isaiah Vivanco, SJUSD Board President Sandra Peñaloza, retired SJUSD Trustee John Norman and Rose’s daughter Desiree Salgado who all shared heartfelt reflections.

“On behalf of our family, thank you for honoring my mother, Rose Salgado, in such a beautiful way,” Desiree said. “My mom was a proud Native woman who believed deeply in giving back—not just to our people, but to the entire community. This school is more than a building—it’s a symbol of her love for community, education, and the future of our children. She believed in lifting others, and I know she would be deeply proud to see her name here today.”

Chairman Vivanco said, “A person can build a legacy through community involvement and through volunteering as well as contributing to positive change in their communities. One’s legacy is not about what you’ve done for yourself but more of what you’ve done for others or the impact you’ve had on others. What an honor to have one of our own have a school named after them in this valley. It goes without saying that Rose made an impact wherever she went.”

Peñaloza said she was honored to be present at the momentous occasion of the school’s ribbon cutting to mark its official opening. On behalf of the Board of Education, she offered their deepest gratitude to the Salgado family for sharing Rose with them and allowing her to lead, inspire and serve so selflessly.

 “The school bears the name of a woman who exemplified grace, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to children and the community,” she said. “Rose was more than a school board member; she was a pillar of this community, a proud Native American whose legacy is woven into the fabric of San Jacinto. Through her advocacy, her service, and her heart, she shaped generations. And now, through this school, her spirit will continue for generations to come.”

Throughout the long history of the district, other elementary schools have been named for founders of the area such as Juan Bautista De Anza, Edward Hyatt and Jose Antonio Estudillo. This is only the third school that has been named for an outstanding community leader. Previous elementary schools were named for Megan Cope and Clayton A. Record Jr.

When the governing school board voted in 2022 to name its newest school after Rose Salgado, the vote was unanimous. A groundbreaking was held in December 2023 and a formal Legacy Committee was formed several months ago with Salgado family members, close friends, community leaders and district personnel.

The purpose of the committee was to ensure that the spirit, legacy, and contributions of Rose Salgado were honored in a meaningful and lasting way as part of the opening of the new school. Its goal was to make sure that every detail—from the school’s name to specific design elements—reflected Rose’s lifelong dedication to education, cultural preservation, and community.

Principal Amy Rose shared her excitement for everyone’s input in shaping the heart of Rose Salgado Elementary. She reflected on the importance of building traditions, identity, and cultural representation in honor of Salgado’s legacy.

The focus group also contributed to the development of storytelling and historical context for Rose’s life, including the school’s website, staff/classroom lessons, a published book timeline, family tree, photos, and a permanent mural on campus.

There were approximately 25 members of the invitation-only Legacy Committee. The group was carefully selected to reflect a wide range of perspectives from family, Tribal leadership, the school district, and the broader community. It was truly a representation of the people and institutions Rose impacted most.

Some of those on the committee were former Soboba Tribal Chairwoman Rosemary Morillo, Soboba Tribal Vice Chairwoman Geneva Mojado, Soboba Tribal Council Secretary Monica Herrera, Rose’s granddaughters Avellaka Arviso and Tuupash Arviso, her daughter Desiree Salgado, sisters Raina Maciel and Frances Diaz, brother Ernie Salgado, sister-in-law Claudia Salgado, nieces Arlene Salgado, Stacia Maciel, Maureen Hernandez, Angela Hernandez, Lisa Huber and Andrea Salgado, nephew Jorge Hernandez, former SJUSD School Board President and longtime friend John Norman, and other close friends Andrew Vallejos, Steven Estrada, Mike Hiles, Gale Hill, Lori VanArsdale and Vince Record.

“While the committee was very collaborative and inclusive, the voices and insights of Rose’s family were truly the guide,” Mike Hiles said. “Amy Rose, Principal of Rose Salgado Elementary, served as the central facilitator, and her leadership, kindness, and clear vision helped us stay on track while making space for every voice. She ensured the work stayed grounded in what Rose stood for—service, culture, humility, and education.”

Several in-person and virtual meetings were held in addition to multiple side sessions with a handful of the members that allowed them to go deeper into the emotional, cultural, and narrative pieces of planning, and ensured that decisions were made thoughtfully and with care.

“Rose wasn’t just a leader—she was my best friend, my constant, and the heart of so much good in this world,” her close friend Andrew Vallejos said. “To know her was to feel seen, loved, and reminded that every child deserved to be lifted up. Her strength was quiet but powerful, her humility unmatched, and her love for her Tribal and local communities ran deeper than words.”

He said seeing this school named in her honor is overwhelming in the best way as it feels like her spirit is still here, guiding every step, every lesson, every little voice that walks through its doors.

“This isn’t just a school—it’s her legacy in motion. And I know, without a doubt, she’d be proud and humbly honored,” Vallejos said.

There were also school community meetings with school staff, parents and district personnel along with Soboba Tribal members and Salgado family members which were held prior to the formation of the formal Legacy Committee.

Those involved made several impactful and thoughtful recommendations such as the visual identity and signage for the school mascot, which is the bear. The family felt the bear symbolized strength, power, protection and wisdom; all qualities they felt reflected Rose.

“This year, and every year forward, we will be guided by five core values of Belonging, Empowerment, Accountability, Respect, and Service to others which reflect the spirit of Rose Salgado, whose life reminds us that education is not only about achievement—it’s about purpose, connection, and service,” Principal Rose said.

The committee also selected quotes, artwork and language that captured Rose’s values. A dedicated space has been designed inside the school to honor her life and legacy, ensuring that Tribal history and culture are represented respectfully and authentically in the school’s identity. Every decision made has been rooted in love, tradition and a desire to preserve the spirit of who Rose Salgado was.

“How do you honor someone whose impact will echo through hundreds of years?” Peñaloza asked. “You build a place where children can learn, grow, and be nurtured—just as Rose would have wanted. Welcome to Rose Salgado Elementary, a school built on purpose, hope, and a legacy that will never fade.”

For more information on Rose Salgado Elementary School at 600 N. Vernon Ave. in San Jacinto, please visit https://rses.sanjacinto.k12.ca.us.

The post Rose Salgado Elementary School opening is celebrated appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

David Robledo Jr., 36, of Homeland was arrested last week following an investigation by the Riverside County Child Exploitation Team, or RCCET.

Robledo pleaded not guilty during an arraignment Monday to two counts of lewd acts on a child under 14 years old, as well as one count each of possession of child porn and destroying or concealing evidence.

At the request of the defense, Superior Court Judge Judith Clark scheduled a bail review hearing for April 3 at the Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta. Robledo’s public defender is expected to submit a motion seeking a bail reduction based on the defendant’s lack of prior criminal history.

He is being held at the Smith Correctional Facility in Banning.

According to the District Attorney’s Office, in December, RCCET investigators were alerted via an online tip from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children that a person residing in the county was loading explicit sexual images of minors into a Cloud-based storage platform.

The ensuing probe resulted in the identification of Robledo as the alleged account user, prosecutors said.

Warrants were obtained and served at his property on Collin Drive in Homeland, where alleged evidence was seized and the defendant was taken into custody without incident on March 20.

The child allegedly molested by Robledo was not identified, and the circumstances were not disclosed. The alleged acts occurred in 2018, according to court documents.

It was unclear whether the victim was depicted in the images allegedly retained by the defendant.

The Lake Elsinore Unified School District did not immediately respond to a request for comment, and there was no word on his current employment status.

Robledo has no documented prior felony convictions in Riverside County. However, investigators are concerned he may have allegedly targeted other children. Anyone with information relevant to the investigation was asked to contact RCCET at 760-863-8168.

The task force is comprised of prosecutors, sheriff’s personnel, officers from multiple municipal police agencies, along with staff from the California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation and U.S. Marshals.

The post Lake Elsinore School District Employee Accused Of Molesting Child appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

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

March’s students of the month from Hemet Unified School District are Crista Graf, Josiah Mills, Parshv Patel, and Luci Washburn. San Jacinto Unified honorees for March are Aubriana Boyer, Joshua Coleman, and Cole Wilson. Arionna Ward from Noli Indian School was also honored.

Hemet Unified School District

Crista Graf

Hemet High School Assistant Principal Hannah Plaza said Crista is an active leader in numerous groups on campus and an accomplished AP student who has been in AVID all four years. Her AP psychology teacher Jamie Killebrew is also teaching student leadership this year and said as a PLUS (Peer Leaders Uniting Students) leader, Crista single-handedly organized this year’s toy drive. The outstanding senior is also part of the Breakfast Club, the Multicultural Club and Ballet Folklorico, where she consistently demonstrates initiative, leadership and a willingness to take on challenges. “Being the oldest daughter in my family, I was always taught to be independent and to take care of others,” Crista said. “My dad was my number one supporter. He was the one who taught me perseverance, but never would I have guessed that I would have to use that perseverance to deal with grief.” Four days before Christmas 2023, her father unexpectedly died. “Grief consumed my every thought for months,” Crista said. “I soon realized that instead of learning how to live without him, I had to learn how to live for him.” She decided that everything she did would have a purpose that would make him proud. “I found my purpose while struggling with loss,” Crista said. She plans to become a pediatric oncology nurse and eventually a nurse practitioner.

Josiah Mills

Alessandro High School Principal Matthew Centofranchi introduced Josiah by saying that many, like himself, grew up taking a lot of things such as health and a solid place to live, for granted. He said speaking with Josiah, a student that has faced adversity, provides a whole new perspective. “In talking to him, you’d never know what he stood up to,” he said. Josiah’s teacher Ashley Yazarloo said she uses the words of Duke University’s women’s basketball coach Kara Lawson as a theme in her classroom. It’s about not waiting for life to get easier because life is hard and learning how to handle hard better. “Josiah’s essence is determination, perseverance and an unstoppable drive to achieve his goals,” Yazarloo said. “This is a kid who has shown that he can handle hard better.” Josiah said his journey has always been a bit rocky and that while all his experiences were not traumatic, they definitely left a mark. From homelessness, fires, epileptic seizures and so much more, he said all his experiences led to helping him shape the perspective he now has. “While some may settle for quick fixes or temporary solutions, I believe in reimagining possibilities,” Josiah said. He wants to attend Palomar College to pursue a degree in engineering for a career as an architectural engineer. “I plan to create spaces that bring people together, hopefully fostering a more positive and inclusive environment,” he said.

Parshv Patel

West Valley High School Principal Gerardo Zavala introduced Parshv as a student who is deeply passionate about math, physics and data science, seeing numbers not just as equations but as tools to shape the real world. “His drive for learning goes beyond the classroom where he has completed 12 self-taught college courses, six specialized data science certificates and over 350 hours of programming courses from top universities and companies,” Zavala said. He plays varsity tennis, is president of the Math Club, is a LINK Crew member and a dedicated after school tutor. When his family moved to America from India two years ago, Parshv said he felt behind and took seven classes in his junior year, all while navigating a new culture, an unfamiliar education system and financial hardships. “I had no friends; I felt like an outsider, and I was depressed,” he said. “My confidence began to crumble.” Parshv said thinking of his family’s sacrifices for his future fueled his ambition and led to him being ranked number one in his senior class. He wants to attend Stanford University to major in data science and statistics. “For me, university is an opportunity to transform my curiosity into innovation and impact,” Parshv said. “My passion for data science is driven by a desire to solve real-life issues in climate change, health care and insufficiencies that hold communities back.”

Jorge Silva

Tahquitz High School Principal Andrew Holmes said, “While faced with challenges early in his high school career, Jorge has demonstrated incredible resilience, excels in advanced Spanish and CTE classes and is the starter on the school’s varsity soccer team. His Spanish III teacher Virginia Shaw said that despite starting high school with a .07 GPA due to circumstances totally beyond his control, he was able to get back on track. His mother was battling cancer three years ago, which is why Jorge’s schoolwork suffered, but she is alive today and grateful to see her son be honored as Student of the Month. Jorge said, “I believe my greatest contribution ever was to my family.” The most difficult challenge he had to overcome was his credit deficiency. When he arrived at Tahquitz as a freshman, he was missing more than 60 credits. But by taking seven periods a semester and classes over the summers, he overcame that obstacle and is graduating with his peers. He plans to attend UCR and become a child psychologist. “A life lesson I will take with me to college is to always have the most faith in God’s timing,” he said. “Maybe it’s not for today, maybe it’s not for tomorrow or even next month, but when it’s truly meant to be, it will come.”  

Luci Washburn

Hamilton High School music teacher Lovina Leon introduced Luci. “As a music teacher, I have the opportunity to see students grow, develop skills and make a difference and Luci has truly stood out,” she said. “She’s had to deal with a lot of challenges, not only here at school but at home, caring for her mom and helping extra around the house.” Luci said she doesn’t recognize challenges and just pushes through like something normal is happening. She said she enjoyed spending a lot of time home alone while her mother worked and her father was busy helping others in the community. When her mother broke her foot at work on New Year’s she was forced to stay home every day and all day – the complete opposite of what this active woman was used to doing. Luci had to step up to clean everything and take over making dinner, all on top of school, sports and band obligations. Everyone was stressed out and then in February, her grandfather was in a serious truck accident in Anza that put him in the hospital. Luci spent weeks helping her grandmother and parents get through it all. She has plans to become a civil engineer.

San Jacinto Unified School District

Aubriana Boyer

San Jacinto High School agriculture teacher Jill Scott met Aubriana two years ago in her Introduction to Floral Design class. She said the program offers a lot for students but it’s up to them to pursue the opportunities, and Aubriana has done that. “The biggest obstacle I’ve faced in my life is overcoming my mental health,” the senior said. “For most of my life, I was emotionally and verbally abused and that really affected my mental health and overall view of the world.” She said during her first two years of high school she didn’t see a lot of hope for her future and didn’t see the importance of school. She failed many classes and had difficulty getting out of bed each morning. “Going into my junior year, my mom moved out and my dad moved back home,” Aubriana said. “I joined floral design and felt my passion for school come back. The FFA program has given me many opportunities to give back to my community.” She plans to major in business at MSJC. “I never thought I could go to college due to how badly I did in my first two years of high school, but I joined AVID this year and it’s helped me see a lot of the resources and opportunities that I have,” Aubriana said. “In the future, I would love to be an agriculture teacher like Ms. Scott.”

Joshua Coleman

San Jacinto Leadership Academy Principal Michael Luna recalls meeting Joshua when he was a teacher at SJLA and Joshua was in sixth grade. Joshua started his speech by saying, “I believe everyone has a choice in life; everyone in and outside this building has the opportunity express themselves whether that is through their academics or in my case, creativity.” He said that during his elementary school years, he endured challenging times of adversity at the schools he attended. “I was bullied continuously and stuck to myself not knowing what the best option was,” Joshua said. “I felt alone, nervous and out of control as if I was not living in my own body. My grades were negatively affected as a result, and I fell into a depression.” He turned to his family and found solace in watching movies, YouTube videos and playing video games. Joshua said his life turned around when he joined the Lion family at SJLA in sixth grade. “My teachers and friends gave me the mental boost I needed to learn that not everyone in life is after you nor are they trying to belittle you,” he said. He began developing his creativity through Photoshop and slide shows and has decided to pursue a career in the entertainment industry, possibly as a film director. “Everyone has something unique they can be talented at,” Joshua said.

Cole Wilson

Mountain Heights Academy chose to honor Cole, who has been accepted to five colleges already where he plans to study astrophysics. He said his greatest contribution to his community is working at the Western Science Center where he prepares fossils for display and teaches science to elementary age children. After suffering a brain injury at birth that caused hydrocephalus, leading to multiple surgeries and hospitalizations, Cole has more than one learning disability and poor vision. “Recently, I was diagnosed with a rare nerve condition that reduced my mobility and caused me to move to online classes,” he said. “The most significant life lesson I will take with me to college is to not put limitations on yourself just because you have a disability.” Cole said he recently found out that doctors had told his parents that he would probably be severely mentally disabled and that his prospects for a normal life were dim, but they never told him. “I never thought to limit myself other than maybe I shouldn’t be a pilot, but that still didn’t stop me from taking an aviation course,” Cole said. “I plan to give back to my community by expanding our understanding of the universe and our role within in.”

Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians

Arionna Ward was chosen to represent Noli Indian School as Student of the Month. Principal Donovan Post said her mother had been a student of his when she attended Noli. A member of the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians and the Santa Rosa Band of Cahuilla Indians, she has been commuting from Mountain Center to San Jacinto to attend Noli since her sophomore year. Arionna has already been named as the school’s salutatorian for the 2025 graduating class. “I believe my greatest contribution to my community is being a traditional cook with my family,” Arionna said. “Being a traditional cook is a challenging task due to cooking for wakes, funerals and other celebrations.” She is planning to continue her education in business management and finance and has received acceptance letters and scholarships from UCR, University of Redlands and Northern Arizona University. Obstacles she has overcome include her father leaving the family when she was five years old and her grandfather, who stepped into a father figure role for her, passing when Arionna was 13. She also suffered the loss of her great grandmother when she was 16. “Although I did not have a great childhood growing up, by Native standards we had it pretty good,” she said.

Closing remarks

The breakfast ended with guest speaker Ed Delgado sharing his personal story with all the students. The Moreno Valley City Council member and 10-year U.S. Coast Guard veteran retired after a 25-year career with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office. He continues to give back to the community through his work as an Adjunct Instructor for Moreno Valley College, where he teaches leadership courses to young adults within the law enforcement profession. He also speaks at special academy engagements and ceremonies. Delgado noted all of the opportunities he was given and all of the advancements he received in both his military and public service positions. “I don’t tell you all this to brag but to show you what’s possible,” Delgado said. He had a rough start in life with a father who didn’t work and a mother on public assistance. After his mother left the family, he stayed with his father because he wasn’t forced to attend school. His teen years were spent drinking and ditching school. In 1989, he saw a Coast Guard recruitment commercial on television and earned his GED so he could meet the enlistment requirements. At 19, he was stationed across the country and said, “I had to prove to myself that I was better than I was raised.” He said he was grateful for all the opportunities he was given to make a difference and feels his life experiences prepared him well. “Do not ever let anyone tell you that you can’t do something,” Delgado told all the students in the room.

For more information, www.studentofthemonth.net.

The post San Jacinto Valley students honored in March appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

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

February’s students of the month from Hemet Unified School District are Tagan Brown, Jesse Castenada, Saniyah Dalton, Alexis Larsen and Odessa Whitmer. San Jacinto Unified honorees for February are A’naej’e Cook and Malaya Saah. Daigan Cyhan from Noli Indian School was also honored.

Hemet Unified School District

Tagan Brown

Western Center Academy chose to honor Tagan this month. Teacher and Christian Club advisor Benjamin Brandt has known her since her freshman year. Tagan is the oldest child with six younger siblings and shares a birthday with her six-year-old brother Maverick. In October of 2020, he fell off the couch and they thought it was just a typical toddler spill. It turned out he had suffered a stroke, and the fall actually fractured his skull. After undergoing emergency brain surgery, he was left paralyzed and mentally handicapped. It changed all their lives. “At this all-time low of my life, I became a Christian and found God, which I think is my most defining feature,” she said. It has helped her through many bumps in the road and has pushed her to be kinder, more compassionate, patient and joyful. “I have learned I want to become a special education teacher,” Tagan said. She has been accepted at Northern Arizona University’s Honors College. “Because I’m the oldest sibling, I’ve had to be a leader from a very young age,” she said. She is involved with her school’s ASB and LINK Crew, is president of the Christian Club and has volunteered with the Ramona outdoor play throughout high school. “My experience has taught me that life is a precious gift that we should all cherish, and I plan to cherish it to the fullest,” Tagan said.

Jesse Castenada

Tahquitz High School Principal Andrew Holmes described Jesse as a varsity basketball player and an outstanding track athlete who is also gaining real world experience by working part time. His English teacher, Molly Otis, said Jesse actively engages in everything they do in class. “Jesse exhibits an ‘I CAN’ attitude – imagination, commitment, affirmation and he never gives up,” she said. Jesse hopes to attend UC, Berkeley or UC, Irvine to study business administration. “I have a passion to become an entrepreneur and to build something meaningful and to prove that where you come from doesn’t determine where you can go,” he said. His father was deported when Jesse was very young, so he had to learn many things on his own. “I had to be strong for my mother even on the days when I just wanted to be a kid,” he said. “But life doesn’t wait for you to be ready. It knocks you down and either you stay down or you get back up and I chose to get back up, but I didn’t do it alone. My brother George taught me responsibility when I had no one else to show me, school taught me accountability and playing sports taught me discipline. Pain is temporary but giving up lasts forever.” He said one of the most powerful lessons he learned that he will take with him to college is to take advantage of every opportunity God sends your way.

Saniyah Dalton

West Valley High School Principal Gerardo Zavala introduced Saniyah as this month’s choice for Student of the Month. He said, “Saniyah’s passion for service goes beyond school; she wants to study law and go into politics to be a strong and honest leader.” Shereen Johnson is her English teacher and Black Student Union advisor who said Saniyah is a dedicated teacher’s assistant, varsity cheerleader and stunt cheerleader who is known for her integrity and kindness. “I believe my greatest contribution to my school, family and community is leadership,” Saniyah said. “Leadership is more than just a title or position; it’s about the impact I make on my surroundings and the way I inspire and guide others. Being an older girl on the cheer team, many of the younger girls look up to me for guidance with any of their problems with family and school. At home, leadership means being responsible, supportive and understanding. In my community, as I’m in many clubs, leadership is supporting that advisor and listening to what people in the club want and need, making sure everyone has a voice.” She was just starting high school when her father died from cancer. “I had to navigate the profound loss of someone who was my guide, my protector and my role model,” Saniyah said. “I was stuck in the grief of losing my dad. It became hard to focus.” Although she admits healing is not a straight line, she has been able to move forward. She plans to attend Xavier University of Louisiana to study political science and government.

Alexis Larsen

The Academy of Innovation is an independent study school who chose to honor Alexis this month. Keely Bunn is the CTE Visual Arts teacher who has worked with Alexis for the past three years. “She’s an intelligent young woman who always turns in quality work,” she said. “She has faced some major challenges in her life that have shaped who she is today.” Alexis said she experienced severe trauma that completely changed her life and the plans she had for her future after her parents divorced when she was 11. “We moved to a new city, and I had to start over at a new school,” she said. “Those changes were overwhelming, and I struggled with anxiety so much that even walking into school felt impossible.” Over time and with determination and support, she learned how to manage her anxiety and refocus on her goals. “Starting high school was a turning point,” Alexis said. “I saw my situation as a reality check. Watching my single mother work two jobs to support us motivated me to push myself even harder.” She joined ASB as a freshman and is serving as its president this year. She plans to major in education at college. “No matter what challenges we face, we have the power to overcome them and shape our own futures,” Alexis said.

Odessa Whitmer

Hamilton High School CTE teacher Alex Williams said Odessa is excelling in athletics, earning CIF honors and MVP recognition in varsity wrestling and varsity track and field. “She serves our community in various roles through her membership in ASB and she is one of the students selected for our CTE nursing internship program with Temecula Valley Hospital Volunteer Foundation,” Williams shared. Odessa said that she has faced many challenges throughout her life, but they shaped her into the person she is today. She was only 10 years old when she learned of her father’s drinking problem, and it caused her severe anxiety and OCD and she couldn’t sleep. Her parents divorced when she was 11 but she would visit him and see he was still drinking. She said that even after a physical assault from her father that left visible marks and mental scars on her, she didn’t want to see him go to jail. “I know he is sick and always will be,” Odessa said. “My philosophy, which inspired me to pursue a law degree, is my belief that every person has a voice that deserves to be heard and sometimes all they need is a helping hand.”

San Jacinto Unified School District

A’naej’e Cook

San Jacinto High School selected A’neaej’e and Assistant Principal Antoinette Miles spoke on behalf of the AVID teacher who nominated her but could not be there. She described the outstanding senior as a “natural born leader whose presence and contributions positively impact everyone around her.” A’naej’e said that even though AVID is a college preparatory class, it was more than that for her because she found a space where she felt safe, heard and supported. She said she will always be grateful to the teacher for her guidance and belief in her. She feels her greatest contribution is her willingness to help whenever she is needed. “I’ve always tried to show up for my school and my community,” A’naej’e said. “High school has taught me that the small actions, whether it’s volunteering, mentoring or simply encouraging someone, can make a big difference. I want to be remembered as someone who not only worked hard but also uplifted others along the way.” Her dream is to become a registered pediatric nurse, specializing in neonatal intensive care. She said she did not have a stable home or attend a school regularly growing up due to moving so often. But she feels these experiences helped her to build strong communication skills. “Connections matter,” A’naej’e said. She currently serves as ASB Senior Class President, vice president for AVID and president of the Black Student Union.

Malaya Saah

Mountain View High School chose to honor Malaya who has recently graduated and is attending Mt. San Jacinto College. Her teacher Trisha Ochoa said, “Malaya has faced challenges that would discourage many but through moments of hardship and self-doubt, she found strength, learned the importance of grace and embraced the support of those who believed in her,” she said. “Malaya’s journey at Mountain View wasn’t just about academic success – it was about rediscovering her potential and stepping into the person she was always meant to be.” Malaya said she was always hard on herself and felt inferior if she asked for help so her mental health declined. She acted out at home and resented her family and others which led to her being sent away from home and into foster care where she continued to make poor choices. Eventually, she returned home and enrolled at the high school and was able to get back on the right path. “Mountain View is a chapter in my life that I will never forget and continue to embrace,” Malaya said. “Throughout my rollercoaster of a journey, I have been able to discover who I am and give myself grace while accepting the fact that I am only human.” She is studying law and public policy with plans to eventually become a prosecuting attorney.

Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians

Daigan Cyhan was chosen to represent Noli Indian School as Student of the Month. Principal Donovan Post said the school offers middle and high school courses for any student from a federally recognized Tribe within about an 85-mile radius. Daigan pushes that limit by commuting from the Los Coyotes Reservation in northern San Diego County. “I take it as an honor to have these students attend Noli because they can easily attend a school that is a lot closer to their homes,” Post said. “This young man plays sports and other things and gets home around 1 a.m. and then gets up at 4:30 a.m. to catch the bus to come back to school; it’s amazing. He’s been with us his entire high school years and he exemplifies everything we want in our students as far as leadership, determination, not giving up and doing everything that is required. But more importantly, it’s his cultural values and what it means to be a Native American right now in today’s society.” His mother, Tashina Ornelas, is the Culture teacher at Noli and said Daigan is her oldest of eight children. She said it has been a great experience having her son as a student in her classroom where she can mentor him, and he can see the relationship between teachers and community. She grew up in the San Jacinto Valley with the Soboba community and said the commute is worth it. Daigan said, “I believe my greatest contribution to my community is when I help out with cultural events. My mom does basketweaving and things like that and I like to help out, teaching the kids and being there to offer my assistance.” He hopes to attend UCR to major in biology and then continue onto medical school to eventually be an anesthesiologist or radiologist. He has had to overcome some obstacles, including being disenrolled from his Tribe. “It’s kind of hard to express what that felt like, getting kicked out of your own community,” Daigan said. “It’s like shameful almost, feeling like you did something wrong, but you didn’t. It really hurts but it’s something that I lived through, and I’m still involved with the community as much as possible. I’m still part of Pechanga – just not documented; that’s my people and I’ll forever be a part of them.” Daigan gives back to the community by continuing to share the cultural knowledge he has learned from his uncle, his mother and others, teaching the youth how to keep the traditions alive.

For more information, www.studentofthemonth.net.

The post San Jacinto Valley students honored in February appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

Local program founder and Student of the Month Committee member Karena Zermeno 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 Ernesto De Lara, Kimberly Luna, Rachel Serrano, Bouquet Vineyard and Dakota Wilson. San Jacinto Unified’s honorees for January are Jalisa Horigan and Ashley Vasquez.

Hemet Unified School District

Ernesto De Lara

West Valley High School Principal Gerardo Zavala said Ernesto’s favorite subject is history because he loves learning about the past. “He is an excellent example of a student who works hard in school, sports and in life,” Zavala said. “Outside of the classroom, his passion is soccer.” Ernesto started playing the sport when he was seven and he has achieved great things. He plans to attend Cal Baptist University to study kinesiology while playing Division I soccer and hopes to turn pro in the future. His teacher, Antonio Ramos, said Ernesto is a true team player in and out of the classroom. Through their shared passion for the sport of soccer, Ramos has seen qualities demonstrated in his student that he is sure will carry him through the future. “Soccer has helped me in many ways,” Ernesto said. “Soccer has taught me teamwork, responsibility and discipline, which I believe are very important in the sport and in real life situations.” He is grateful for the opportunity to have competed in several tournaments and a recent win is one of his proudest accomplishments as it helped him grow as a player and a leader on and off the field. He has also traveled to Maryland multiple times to compete against some of the best players around the country. “Being a student athlete has taught me the importance of balancing my priorities,” Ernesto said. “I have learned to manage my time effectively by managing school, homework, practices and games.” He enjoys giving back to the community through his volunteer work at church.

Kimberly Luna

Tahquitz High School Principal Andrew Holmes described Kimberly as a student who takes Advanced Placement classes, is in AVID, is on the cross-country, track and soccer teams as captain and volunteers her time at lunch to tutor her peers. Psychology teacher Jacquelyn Rodriguez said, “What’s truly remarkable about her is her ability to balance it all. She’s always understood that being a student comes first, even with a demanding schedule. I’ve seen her prioritize her academics with a maturity beyond her years. Excellence goes far beyond academics and athletics with Kim because she also has one of the biggest hearts you’ll meet on campus. It’s not about how she can lift up herself but it’s about how she can lift up those in the community and those around her, which is something that I admire about her most.” Kimberly hopes to attend Cal Poly as a psychology major to study the mind and behavior to help in her future career as an occupational therapist. “I struggled with stress and anxiety throughout high school,” she said. “It’s important to work hard for the things you want and in return our goals can be met. There is a reward for how much effort and hard work you put in.” A significant life lesson she said she learned is that there is more than one opportunity around her, and she just needs to discover what they are. She hopes to continue to give back to her school by offering to tutor younger classmates.

Rachel Serrano

Alessandro High School Principal Matt Centofranchi shared that his school is intended to be a credit-recovery school and looking at Rachel’s transcripts when she enrolled in her junior year showed a lot of good grades until her sophomore year, which was totally missing. She is now an all-star student who is excelling in the Welding Technology program, one of the school’s CTE pathways. Welding teacher Joshua O’Neal said he was impressed that Rachel was not afraid to try anything new. “Her resilience, faith and work ethic are truly amazing and her ability to inspire those around her is something I deeply admire,” he said. Rachel is the third oldest of seven children and when she was in second grade, her world was turned upside down when her and her siblings were taken away from their mother and scattered to different homes. “Living in foster and group homes, I learned that attachment was a luxury; losing people and places became a part of life,” Rachel said. “By the time I was 12, I had faced challenges no child should have to endure.” On her 13^th birthday, she reached a breaking point and was put in a mental hospital because she was struggling with thoughts of suicide. In 2023, she spent a year with her father in Guatemala, which proved to be a turning point for her. The following year, Rachel went to live with an aunt and uncle and enrolled at Alessandro. She hopes to become a certified welder and enter the field as a career. “I’ve learned to seek the positive in every obstacle, even when it’s hard,” she said.

Bouquet Vineyard

Hemet High School selected Bouquet this month and Principal Jeff Franks introduced her as a three-sport athlete in swimming, golf and water polo, who was named Homecoming Queen, is a member of the school’s band, and is in the top 10 of her 550-member senior class. She was nominated by her counselor, Dawn Sonnier, whose statement was read by teacher Lindsay Brown in her absence. Sonnier has known Bouquet for five years through her older sister, Meadow, who wanted to be part of Daisy Chain, an award given to the top-ranked juniors who are recognized for their academic achievement and lead the seniors at graduation. Although Meadow didn’t make it, she asked Sonnier to guide Bouquet so that she would, and she did. “The past four years of my life have been a difficult journey,” Bouquet said. In 2020, her mother was diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer and Bouquet spent all her time taking care of her while balancing schoolwork, sports and extracurriculars. “On September 12, 2024, mom lost her hard-fought battle. Navigating life without my mom’s help and support has been confusing but I know one thing for sure – I want to keep her fun-loving, encouraging and inclusive spirit alive through what I do and how I treat others every day,” Bouquet said. She plans to study English Education in college in hopes of becoming a teacher, just like her mother, who served the San Jacinto Unified School District for 25 years. “I know that God will guide my feet every step of the way and I hope to be a light the way my mom was,” Bouquet said.

Dakota Wilson

Hamilton High School Principal Kari Sanchez said that last year Dakota was one of four juniors who won a Leadership Trip to Washington, DC through the Anza Electric Co-Op. “She has courage, confidence and is always looking outside of herself,” Sanchez said. Rose Fickes has been Dakota’s art and photography teacher all four years of high school. As editor-in-chief of yearbook and president of the Yearbook Club, she said Dakota oversees everything from the designing to the final production. As president of the Mud Club, she organizes fundraisers and events to provide students with opportunities to explore ceramics. Dakota said she enjoys being very active in the rural community of Anza. “My aspirations are in the field of forensic science, specifically crime scene photography,” she said. She knows this is something most people don’t have the stomach to do but she sees it as yet another way she can give back by providing evidence that will bring justice for victims. “Last October, my father was diagnosed with cancer, which is a hard thing as I’m an only child and it’s just me and my parents living in the middle of nowhere,” Dakota said. She credits her father with teaching her how to be a part of the community as she grew up watching him help their neighbors. She was grateful to see the community reach out to the family with food and offers to help when they heard about her father’s diagnosis and showed her that something so horrible can still bring people together. Dakota enjoys working with middle school students and did so regularly when she was a member of Hamilton’s Color Guard.

San Jacinto Unified School District

Jalisa Horigan

San Jacinto High School selected Jalisa as this month’s honoree. Her math teacher, Mayra Aldana, said Jalisa ranks third in her class and takes Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, college and honors classes while serving as vice president of HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) and LINK Crew, both organizations that are close to Aldana’s heart. Jalisa feels her greatest contribution to the community is her ability to empathize and connect with others, especially those who have been made to feel lost or unseen. “Through LINK Crew, I’m able to create relationships with freshmen that we meet and guide through their high school journey and through HOSA I’m able to channel my passion for the healthcare field,” Jalisa said. She wants to become a psychiatrist to help people navigate life’s challenges. She shared that her birth mother took her brother and her away from their father at a very young age and were basically homeless as they moved around a lot. “I witnessed a lot of things such as verbal and physical abuse,” Jalisa said. When she was in first grade, her mother lost custody of the children and they went to live with their father, which led to a lot of pain. Their stepmother went to prison and their father lost his job, leading the children to be raised by extended family members for three years. Her father is now in medical school and Jalisa said she has chosen to take her pain and turn it into purpose. “I hope others see that no matter where you come from, you can overcome, you can exceed and you can make a difference,” Jalisa said.

Ashley Vasquez

San Jacinto Leadership Academy Principal Mike Luna introduced Priscilla Grijalva, counselor at the 6-12 grade school, to talk about Ashley. “She truly takes the initiative to seek out counseling as needed,” Grijalva said. “As a Lion, she continues to roar to success and beyond.” When Ashley was 12 years old, her mother died from having a seizure, heart attack and stroke all at once. This led to Ashley being taken out of the final two months of her sixth-grade year. The following year she was removed from her father’s home due to a toxic environment. Her and her younger brother were placed into foster care and lived in different homes, all with their own rules. Ashley said it was hard to find the stability she really needed during her teen years. When she was finally placed with her current foster mother, she was able to improve. “Her home is a sanctuary defined by structure and an abundance of love,” Ashley said. “She has taught me so many valuable lessons that I try to apply to my life such as cleanliness, manners and selflessness. But most importantly, she has taught me to deepen my relationship with God.” Ashley wants to pursue nursing, eventually working as a forensic nurse. She shared a Maya Angelou quote that she found to be true for her: “Family isn’t always blood. It’s the people in your life who want you in theirs. The ones who accept you for who you are. The ones who would do anything to see you smile, and who love you no matter what.”

For more information, www.studentofthemonth.net.

The post San Jacinto Valley students honored in January appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

The Soboba Tribal Council, Soboba Foundation, Soboba Casino Resort, Soboba Fire Department and Sponsorship Coordinator Andrew Vallejos were recognized by Superintendent David Pyle and the Board of Trustees for their generous donations and grants for the Soboba Gives Back! Thanksgiving Dinners, Soboba Gives Back! Christmas Toy Drive, Soboba Lip Sync Contest, Soboba Charity Golf Tournament, San Jacinto High School Athletics and the Hemet-San Jacinto Student of the Month program, just to name a few.

“We truly value our partnership and the opportunities it has provided for our students, staff and community by giving from the heart to those in need,” Pyle said. “We do this every January to recognize the efforts that Soboba has given to our district. If you’ve been in the Valley for any amount of time, you know the impact that Soboba has on all of our organizations, whether privately, personally, or as a school district. On behalf of our board of education, thank you so much.”

The perpetual plaques were presented “in recognition of the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians and Soboba Foundation for their generosity and commitment to SJUSD students and families through the support of” the turkey dinner distribution and toy donations.

Additionally, the Soboba Gives Back! events bring the community together to help distribute the fixings for a turkey dinner and to “Unstuff the Bus” with toys for district Christmas programs. Many of those who consistently volunteer their time, alongside those from Soboba, were also recognized for their contributions and received certificates of appreciation.

“From everything that we receive, we need to make sure we have enough hands to deliver out to our community,” Pyle said. “Your presence shows the commitment and impact you have on our students and on our staff so thank you for being here and thank you for being contributing members to our school system.”

Those attending were Sonia Ramos, Boxing for Christ; Mayor Valerie Vandever, representing the City of San Jacinto; members of the Four Directions club; Global CTI; Veronica Hawkes, Greater San Jacinto Valley Chamber of Commerce; the Hemet-San Jacinto Valley Chamber of Commerce; Hemet Lions Club; Cyndi Lemke, Legacy Bank; Lakshman Koka, San Jacinto Medical Clinic & Urgent Care; Riverside County Sheriff’s Captain James Burton, San Jacinto Police Lt. James Roy and other officers; San Jacinto Lions Club; San Jacinto Rotary; San Jacinto Education Foundation; San Jacinto Walmart Supercenter; Sonia Lamas with Lamas Housing Project; and Karena Zermeno, with the Hemet-San Jacinto Student of the Month program.

Soboba Tribal Council Chairman Isaiah Vivanco, who was in Sacramento on Tribal business and unable to attend the meeting, said, “Although we appreciate the recognition, that’s not why we do it. We are fortunate enough to be in a position to help others, especially during the holidays. We look forward to continuing our Soboba Gives Back! motto.”

The post SJUSD recognizes Soboba for their continued support appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.