Sofia Alvarez Velazques graduated from San Jacinto Leadership Academy with a deep desire to support multilingual learners. Born in Mexico and once an English learner herself, Sofia was inspired by supportive teachers who helped her find confidence and belonging as she struggled to learn her new language. Sofia plans to attend Mt. San Jacinto College, where she will major in Early Childhood Education then transfer to Cal State San Bernardino and pursue an English Language Development certification. Her goal is to become an ELD teacher who creates that same sense of encouragement for her students that she received and to give back to the San Jacinto community that shaped her.

Daisy Campa completed her senior year at Alessandro High School with a reputation for resilience and steady academic growth. Teachers described Daisy as personable, supportive, and consistently prepared, noting her “willingness to engage in discussions” and “positive influence” on campus. Daisy plans to attend Mt. San Jacinto College to major in Education and become a special education teacher. Inspired by her younger brother, who has autism, she hopes to help children improve their communication skills and gain confidence.

Mckenzie Harnit made quite an impact at Hemet High School through her boundless energy and wide‑ranging involvement. A four‑year cheerleader and three‑year STUNT athlete, she also served as the school mascot while excelling in academic clubs and maintaining a 5.0 GPA. Her commitment to community service further strengthened her record of leadership. Mckenzie will attend UC Santa Barbara, where she plans to major in Applied Mathematics and become a high school math teacher.

Nicholas Hockman, a recent graduate of the Western Center Academy, was an exceptional scholar and campus leader whose discipline and kindness shaped every part of his high school experience. With a 4.40 GPA, he excelled in AP Biology, Biotechnology and Marine Biology and helped lead hands‑on STEM activities for elementary students. As a two‑year Link Crew leader, he designed and taught lessons that strengthened his passion for education. Nicholas plans to attend CSU San Marcos with a major in Biology and wants to become a high school biology teacher who inspires students to love science and believe in themselves.

Silvia Sandoval graduated from San Jacinto High School as a scholar known for intellectual drive and outstanding leadership. With a 4.1 GPA and advanced coursework in mathematics, she earned multiple honors, including the Tiger Excellence Gold Medal. Silvia also served as a math tutor for Upward Bound and held leadership roles in AP Club, Tiger Den, and Paws and Claws. Her future plans are to study Mathematics at Mt. San Jacinto College then transfer to UCLA to become a math teacher and inspire future students.

Yesenia Sandoval completed her studies at Nuview Bridge Early College High School with a relentless academic drive and a strong commitment to young learners. She even earned two associate degrees while still in high school. Her involvement in theater, cheer, and as track manager, highlighted her dependability and leadership. Yesenia will attend CSU Fullerton, where she will major in Child and Adolescent Studies and eventually teach kindergarten.

Madison Surritt emerged as one of West Valley High School’s most influential student leaders, known for her compassion and ability to bring people together. A multiyear ASB officer and Senior Class President, she also contributed significantly to FFA, Ballet Folklorico, athletics, and numerous campus programs. Her kindness and determination left a lasting mark on her school community. Madison plans to attend Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and major in Agriculture Education, with the hope of becoming an agriculture teacher who empowers students to grow with confidence and purpose.

Lizette Garcia Vargas excelled at Tahquitz High School, maintaining a clear focus on her academics and a deep commitment to serving others. With a 4.0 GPA in rigorous AP and dual‑enrollment courses, she also devoted her time to ASB, AVID, cheer, and the AP Calculus Club. With more than 130 hours of community service, Lizette also demonstrated her desire to give back. She will major in Education at Cal State San Marcos and become an elementary school teacher who is dedicated to helping young students build strong foundations for their futures.

Carolina Vasquez approached her senior year at the Academy of Innovation with a clear sense of purpose and a growing passion for helping others succeed. With a 3.71 GPA, she explored both education and finance, inspired by the importance of financial literacy and the influence of great teachers. Carolina intends to study Education and Finance at Mt. San Jacinto College and plans to become either an elementary teacher or a CTE/finance educator.

Jaidyn Waysack brought dedication and deep commitment to her years at Hamilton High School. With a 3.76 GPA and involvement in ASB, CSF, Friday Night Live, and yearbook, she contributed significantly to student life and campus events. Inspired by teachers who supported her and lifted her up during trying times, she has chosen a path in education. Jaidyn plans to attend UC Riverside, major in Liberal Studies and become an elementary school teacher, continuing the cycle of support she experienced.

Ta’niah Willis graduated from San Jacinto High School as a dynamic leader whose creativity, resilience, and academic strength shaped her many contributions. With a 3.94 GPA and honors such as the Silver GPA Award and National Society of High School Scholars membership, she excelled academically while leading Theatre Club, BSU, and AFJROTC events. As President of Theatre Club and Vice President of BSU, she demonstrated strong communication, artistic vision and service.  Ta’niah will attend California Baptist University, major Child Development and become an elementary educator. Her goal is to “become the teacher I needed most growing up.”

Each year, CalRTA offers up to 14 $1000 scholarships to qualifying seniors who plan to pursue a career in education.  Part of CalRTA’s mission is to support public education, and Division 33 does just that through its scholarships and “no strings attached” teacher grants for current classroom teachers.  For more information about CalRTA, visit the state website at calrta.org or the Division 33 website at div33.calrta.org.

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They acknowledged the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians and Soboba Foundation for being among the program’s strongest supporters and major contributors since day one. Zermeno said that Soboba’s generosity allowed them to award every student who submitted an application with a scholarship. Chairman Isaiah Vivanco was invited to the stage to say a few words.

“On behalf of the Tribe, I’d like to welcome you to our homeland,” he said. “We are proud to be sponsors of this program and to celebrate the accomplishments of all these great students. We can’t wait to see where their dreams take them.”

After the final breakfast in March, each Student of the Month was encouraged to complete an application to be considered as the Class of 2026 Student of the Year for their school site, resulting in eight honorees. Both districts have schools of choice that take turns attending the monthly celebrations throughout the school year and one student from each district’s rotating schools is chosen to be Student of the Year.

“Tonight we come together to recognize an incredible group of students whose resilience, character, and determination continue to inspire all of us,” Zermeno said. “Each student being honored this evening has faced challenges with courage, shown strength in their difficult moments, and continues to move forward with purpose and heart. Their stories remind us that true success is not only measured by achievements, but by perseverance, kindness, and the ability to rise above adversity.”

Guests were treated to a gourmet buffet before awards were given. The evening mirrored well-known awards ceremonies such as the Oscars and the Grammys since the results were not revealed in advance. A short video clip of each student’s speech from when they were honored during their month was played before announcing the winner for each school, after an anticipatory drum roll.

Students of the Year

Hemet Unified School District’s Student of the Year honorees are Aidan DeSanto, Nevaeh Gray, Celeste Lopez, Samantha Calvillo Navarro, and Eddie Villa. Those honored from San Jacinto Unified School District are Karen Alvarenga Quiroz, Elizabeth Schmitz, and Christian “CJ” Viramontes. Each accepted their award with gratitude to the sponsors, school personnel, friends, and family members who supported them throughout their high school journey.
As Student of the Month in February for Tahquitz High School, Aidan DeSanto will be attending Cal State, San Marcos on his path to becoming a history teacher. Nevaeh Gray was September’s Student of the Month from Hamilton High School. She is going to be studying nursing at Cal State, San Marcos in the fall. The Western Center Academy honored Celeste Lopez as Student of the Month in February. She will be studying nursing at California Baptist University. Samantha Calvillo Navarro was West Valley High School’s choice in March. She will be completing her core classes at Mt. San Jacinto College before transferring to Loma Linda on her way to becoming a sonographer. Eddie Villa was singled out in March by Hemet High School. He will attend MIT to major in nuclear science and engineering.

November’s Student of the Month for Mountain Heights Academy was Karen Alvarenga Quiroz. She will attend Cal State, San Marcos and plans to be a lawyer, medical assistant, and an actor “because I can do everything” she said. San Jacinto High School chose Elizabeth Schmitz in January. She will study business and business analytics at UC, Davis. Christian “CJ” Viramontes was honored as Student of the Month in October for San Jacinto Leadership Academy. He will begin his college education at Mt. San Jacinto College where he will major in journalism, hoping to become a sportswriter.

Additional scholarships

Individual scholarships were presented to students who were chosen for their ability to meet the criteria set by the community members or businesses who sponsored the awards.

The Adanesne Carrasco Soto Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Justin Valladares, San Jacinto Leadership Academy’s March SOM. He will attend MSJC to study to become an EMT before joining the fire department “to help this community.” Adanesne had been honored as SOM for San Jacinto High School in December of 2021. She passed away from cancer the following June, shortly after graduation.

Terry Cobb presented the Mike Christie Memorial Scholarship to Lola Elzy, Hemet High School’s SOM for December. Lola will attend San Diego State University as a biology major on a pre-med track. Terry said she and her late husband, Mike, met at Hemet High School. Zermeno said Mike Christie created the Student of the Month website in 2012 at the beginning of the program and that losing him was a great loss to the community.

The $2,000 Hemet Teachers’ Association Scholarship went to Jaysen Arreola, who earned Hemet High School’s SOM recognition in September. He will be studying geology at UC, Berkeley with the intention of becoming a paleontologist. The award was presented by Hemet High School teacher James Walsh.

The Dr. Koka & Family Medical Scholarship was awarded to Erendira Soria, Hemet High School’s January SOM. She plans to attend Mt. San Jacinto College as she pursues her goal to become a nurse. Dr. Vidhya Koka said her family has had the privilege of being in this community for 22 years and this award is to congratulate and encourage people going into the healthcare field so they can come back and serve this community.

Jackie Sanchez Ibarra, Mountain Heights Academy’s SOM in March, was presented with the Daniel Lopez Jr. Memorial Scholarship. She wants to take EMT courses to become a paramedic. Daniel was named SOM in the 2015-2016 school year and died in a tragic traffic accident a few days before graduation. His parents set up the scholarship to honor students that best represent their son who always gave back to his family and community.

The Dr. Kari McGowan Memorial Scholarship was presented to Savannah Garcia, Tahquitz High School’s December SOM. Savannah is headed to Riverside Community College in the fall to study performing arts and pursue a career in the music industry. Current principal Andrew Holmes said the scholarship is designed to support a student who embodies the same qualities former principal McGowan held dear—a heart for service, a resilient work ethic, and a fierce belief in the power that education has to change lives.

Katelyn Cerpas Fuentes, January SOM for Tahquitz High School, received the Marie Quandt Memorial Scholarship. She will be attending Grossmont College in San Diego to prepare for a career as a laboratory scientist. John Norman presented the scholarship after explaining that Quandt had been a very active woman in the community who showed up for kids. He said, “The support that she provided is like the support that I see a lot of the teachers and administrators giving.”

Shannon Murdaugh presented the Sizzler/BMW Management Inc. Scholarship to Diego Gomez, Western Center Academy’s SOM for November on behalf of Sally Myers. Diego will be studying engineering at California Baptist University before pursuing his career as a civil engineer in the water industry. The local SOM program is based on the one started by Myers of Sizzler/BMW Management Inc. more than 30 years ago. Her programs have since spawned more than 20 variations in San Diego, Riverside and Orange counties, including several in the Inland Empire overseen by Zermeno.

The Cassi Tichy Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Lily Snow, who was SOM in September from the Academy of Innovation. Lily has not yet decided on her future plans. Cassi was Hemet High School’s Student of the Year for 2016-2017. She had been chosen as SOM while battling a rare form of cancer. The award was presented by Hemet Unified School District Superintendent Christi Barrett.

Closing Remarks

“Students, this is not just an award; this is a testament to all of the challenges that you have overcome and are currently overcoming,” Zermeno said. “But you are ready to face the world because you have shown that you can overcome anything. You have shown that you have built your character and your strength and you use those

strengths to help others. Your kindness has carried you through and we hear the stories of your perseverance and helping others. Congratulations again to our students of 2025-26.”

To learn more about the program and to view monthly videos, please visit www.studentofthemonth.net.

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Retired teachers have not only spent decades helping future generations, but they continue to make a difference in the lives of others long after leaving their teaching careers. In 2023, CalRTA members statewide donated more than $40 million worth of time to their local communities. Members of local CalRTA Division 33, which serves Hemet, San Jacinto, Menifee, Nuview and Romoland, volunteered nearly 12,000 hours in the same year, with a value of over $437,000.  Retired teachers can often be seen volunteering their time and skills in community centers, libraries, schools, and local organizations. Their time enriches the lives of both children and adults, and their pensions uplift their local communities. Because retirees spend their benefit checks in their local community, their spending ripples through the economy as one person’s spending becomes another person’s income.

CalRTA members are part of that pool of retirees whose pension checks help stimulate and boost California’s economy. Members statewide also donated more than $750,000 in grants, scholarships and donations last year.  Division 33 also offers 11 $1000 scholarships annually to seniors planning to enter the teaching profession and awards 16 $100 “no strings attached” teacher grants to local teachers to use in their classrooms.

CalRTA highlights retired teachers’ contributions by celebrating Retired Teachers Week during the first week of each November. This year’s event, November 3-9, marks the 26th year the celebration has been held during the organization’s 95-year history. In 1929, as the country entered the Great Depression, a small group of teachers banded together to fight for retirement security. In addition to helping California’s educators, early CalRTA leaders went on to form other retiree organizations. One such leader was Ethel Percy Andrus who formed AARP.

“Our early leaders showed us what dedication, compassion and determination can accomplish,” noted Susan Dixon, CalRTA State President. “Today we’re trying to live up to their example as we continue our fight for retirement security while also giving back to our local communities and protecting public education.”

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Hamilton High School’s Angie Delgado says, “I am devoted to my chosen field of study.  I have always found an interest in Kinesiology and am fascinated by the idea of helping athletes with their athletic journey.”  Angie will be the first in her family to attend college, a point of immense pride for her and her family.  Angie is hoping to attend Cal State San Marcos or Mt. San Antonio College, focusing on movement anatomy or exercise physiology.

Kayla Benson from Hemet High School says that after she acquires her college degree in Civil Engineering, “I want to serve my community and help those who struggle.  I’ve been inspired by the needs of the people I see every day who are less fortunate and need somewhere to call their own.  Education is power, and the more I know the more I can do good for others.”   Kayla plans to attend either Brigham Young University Provo or BYU Idaho in the fall.

Although mathematics isn’t every student’s favorite subject, Ubaldo Puente of Tahquitz High School plans to further his education at the University of Utah where he will work towards a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and eventually earn his teaching credential.  “I want my future students to view the subject in a new light, the way my third grade teacher showed my peers and me a new perspective on the misunderstood subject.”  Dr. Emily Shaw, Hemet Unified School District’s Director of Wellness and Community Outreach, says, “Ubaldo is the all-around package: brains, character, high morals and strong leadership.”

Western Center Academy graduating senior Logan Fogle says, “For as long as I can remember, I have had a love for the outdoors and an appreciation for the natural world’s complexity and simplicity.  I find a peace and relaxation in nature.  I want to pursue a career in nature, working for the US Forest Service as a Forester.  My office will be among the trees, my water cooler will be a cool mountain stream.”  Logan plans to attend Cal Poly Humboldt University and major in Forestry.  Western Center AP English teacher Tonya Brady says that Logan will bring “a focused dedication to college where no class will intimidate him.  He is a quality person.” 

Sports Medicine has become a profound part of Nathalie Garcia’s life. She has a passion for helping athletes and making a meaningful impact.  She developed that passion at West Valley High School, “working at my school’s clinic with 8 other selected peers and working and interacting with individuals outside of school.  Sports medicine is more than a career to me, it’s an emotional and heartwarming journey that stirs my soul.” Her two years in West Valley’s CTC Sports Medicine class has had quite an impact on this young lady.  Nathalie has her eyes set on attending Cal State San Marcos with a major in Kinesiology and the ultimate goal of becoming a physical therapist. 

“Whether grappling with the complexities of mathematics or immersing myself in literature, my thirst for understanding remains insatiable, propelling me towards continual growth.”  These are the words of Eugene Hernandez, HEF scholarship award winner from The Academy of Innovation.  Eugene says that with a “deep-seated passion for education and a genuine desire to inspire and empower others, I aspire to pursue a career in teaching.”  His plans are to first acquire an AA degree from MSJC then transfer to a university to earn his bachelor’s degree and eventually his teaching credential. 

Since 1978, the Hemet Education Foundation has been supporting schools sites and students in the Hemet Unified School District with financial donations and academic scholarships.  Over the past 15 years, the Foundation has donated over $104,000 to the District’s schools for much-needed supplies and resources.  Additionally, since 2014, the Hemet Education Foundation has awarded over $200,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors in the district — $500 to qualifying seniors at both of our alternative high schools, and $5000 to qualifying seniors at each of our five comprehensive high schools.  For more information about the Hemet Education Foundation, you can access their website at hemeteducationfoundation.com.

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Valentine’s Day has come and gone, but the sweet sentiments shared in those cute little cards we give and receive each year linger on.  Sometimes those Valentines come with tiny candy hearts that say “Be Mine” or “Crazy 4 U” or other sappy sentiments, but for three local teachers, Valentine’s Day brought them much more than a box of candy.  Kate Paragone and Ginamarie Richards, both of Menifee, and Wendy Lizardi of Romoland, each received notice that their names were randomly selected by Division 33 to receive a $100 Teacher Grant.  And, in a separate drawing, Tahquitz High School teacher, Cheryl Miller, was announced as a recipient of one of the 35 State CalRTA $100 Teacher Grants awarded in February.

Kate Paragone teaches 4th and 5th grade RSP/SDC at Evans Ranch Elementary School in Menifee. Paragone works with RSP (Resource Specialist Program) students, quite a number of whom struggle with math concepts.  “So I turned my attention to that area and bought play money and play cash register and some other supports and work with the students on adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing as well as adding purchases and computing the tax to arrive at a total,” Paragone explained.  “I’m trying to make real life application for the students to understand the concepts of managing finances.”

Ginamarie Richards, who teaches 5th grade at Quail Valley Elementary School in Menifee, says, “We usually extend our learning through STREAM (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) and integrated hand-on activities so this will help tremendously. Our next project is to build/replicate a constellation for our space culminating project. We will be needing beads, metallic sharpies, glue for our student safe glue guns, and pipe cleaners” to complete the project, Richards added. “Now we will be able to have each student make a constellation.”

Wendy Lizardi teaches kindergarten at Harvest Valley Elementary School in Romoland.  When she received notice that she had receive one of Division 33’s grants she was thrilled. “Thank you!! I’m so excited! With the $100 grant, I will purchase math and ELA manipulatives for my students to use for centers and small groups. I enjoy giving my students hands on experiences in order to promote multi- sensory learning.”

When Tahquitz High School biology and botany teacher Cheryl Miller received word that she had been selected to receive one of CalRTA’s state teacher grants, she responded, “I am so excited to get the $100.00!  It will sure help with the purchase of some good topsoil for the garden beds” that her science students have created to carry out their experiments.  “Since COVID, the gardens need a little help and this is a perfect start.”  CalRTA Division 33 Vice President Sue Breyer presented the $100 Teacher Grant check to Tahquitz High School Principal Dr. Kari McGowan at a recent staff meeting, then matched that $100 check with a crisp $100 from Division 33, for a total of $200 to be used in Ms. Miller’s classroom.  Unfortunately, Ms. Miller was unable to attend the meeting to receive the funds in person.

California Retired Teachers Association Division 33 supports public education by offering 11 $1000 scholarships each year to qualifying seniors in Hemet and San Jacinto, and 15 $100 “no strings attached” teacher grants for classroom use.  For more information about CalRTA Division 33, you can access their website at div33.calrta.org then click on Scholarships & Grants to access application forms and information about recent grant and scholarship recipients.

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Selene Orozco | Contributed

For the thousands of children and teenagers in the foster care system, there are many hurdles that limit their chance of graduation. In 2021 the California Department of Education reported that the statewide average high school graduation rate for students in foster care is an alarming 55% and only 10% will go onto college.

As a part of its mission to address poverty, hunger, and health disparities throughout communities in the Inland Empire, Family Service Association developed a scholarship opportunity to help graduating high school students, cared for in the foster care system, pursue a post-secondary degree. The pilot program was funded by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians for students in Riverside County.

Seventeen students were awarded a scholarship of $1,250 to help offset the cost of attending a community college, trade school, or university. The winners shared their stories about the challenges of being in foster care and the impact that trusted adult supporters made in their lives.

One of the scholarship awardees, Lesslie Cuevas, shared the impact that her high-school counselor had on her life. “My school’s administrator was a true blessing in disguise. She made me a part of her family and helped changed my life’s trajectory for the best”.

Another scholarship winner, Lilith Barajas, shared the impact that her aunt made in her life by taking her in and supporting her since childhood. “Although being in foster care is hard mentally, my aunt manages to make me laugh… I know taking care of four children is hard, especially when two of them aren’t yours biologically. Despite all of the court and social worker visits, she still manages to stay on track and keep us happy and healthy. I don’t know how different my life would’ve been had she not made the choice to care for me, and I’m happy I don’t have to find out.”

“We are so proud of these students who overcame immeasurable barriers to graduate and pursue a college degree”, said Cheryl-Marie Hansberger, CEO of Family Service Association. “Trusted relationships and connections are the key to helping children in foster care, which requires full community involvement. Through the H.O.P.E. Collaborative, Family Service Association is proud to collaborate alongside dozens of organizations, schools, faith-based communities, and parents to improve preventative services in Riverside County.

San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Vice-Chairman Johnny Hernandez, who is also Chairman for the Tribe’s Education Board, says there is a deep commitment to education that is embedded in the Tribe’s beliefs.

“We are honored to support Family Services Association’s Fostering Hope initiative, which makes attaining a post-high school education a more achievable goal for foster youth in our community,” expressed Vice-Chairman Johnny Hernandez. “The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians truly believes that education is the key to a better future and FSA is facilitating a path to success with their Fostering Hope program.

Although the scholarship winners come from different schools and walks of life, they shared mutual gratitude and appreciation. One of the awardees, Wasinee Nugsiang, plans to attend UC San Diego in the Fall with a major in Computer Engineering. “Thank you, FSA, San Manuel, and the HOPE Collaborative for all your work in making this possible.”

In 2013 Family Service Association was appointed to lead Riverside County’s Child Abuse Prevention Council, known as the H.O.P.E Collaborative. The mission of the H.O.P.E. Collaborative is to promote the safety of children and prevent abuse and neglect in Riverside County. A range of education, outreach events, and trainings are held throughout the County by members who are passionate about securing a safe environment for all children.

According to the Riverside County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS), approximately 4,500 children have been removed from their families because of abuse, neglect, or abandonment. If you would like to learn more about becoming a resource family for a foster child or if you are interested in volunteer opportunities with Family Service Association, you can contact the agency at 951-369-8036 or via email at Selene.Orozco@fsaca.org. Donations are being accepted to increase awareness for child abuse prevention and provide greater support for foster kids; donations can be made at https://www.fsaca.org/donate or by calling 951-686-1096.

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As the Soboba Foundation fully supports education and the pursuit of higher education for all students within the San Jacinto Valley, the nonprofit honored eight local high school graduates with a $2,500 scholarship to give them a jumpstart on their higher education goals. Most of the checks and proclamations for each student were awarded during the individual school’s senior awards ceremonies, held prior to commencement.

The students who were chosen from among all eligible applicants were Elijah Brookes, San Jacinto High School; Erika Cortez, Tahquitz High; Jenna DeWit, Hemet High; Briahna Guadamuz, San Jacinto Valley Academy; Lanise Luna, Noli Indian School; Rafael Marquez, Hamilton High; Aristeo Mendoza Rojas, West Valley High; and Abigail Stevens, Alessandro High School.

Elijah Brookes was a stand-out straight A student who received many awards for academics and athletics as well as for two years of perfect attendance and being a Science Fair project winner. He will be attending the University of California, Santa Cruz in his pursuit of a career as a mechanical engineer because of his fascination with mathematics and a desire to be hands-on when it comes to work.

“Earning this scholarship means a lot,” Elijah said. “I have many goals I want to achieve, but it is extremely difficult to do so with college being so expensive. I was lucky to be blessed as a winner of this scholarship, making my life much easier, aiding me in the direction of success!”

One of his teachers recommended Elijah for the scholarship for proving to be a diligent and passionate thinker with studious attention to detail and willingness to push himself by doing far more than what was initially expected.

Erika Cortez was on the Principal’s Honor Roll with Academic Distinction, was named a CIEE Global Navigator Scholar and earned the RCOE Seal of Multiliteracy. She will attend the University of California, Santa Barbara as a Communications major with a minor in Italian Language & Culture with the plan to explore career options through internships to find her niche.

Her study abroad teacher in Italy said Erika proved to be a smart, open-minded and curious student who always gave her best, was enthusiastic and demonstrated positivity and good social skills.

Jenna DeWit excelled both academically and athletically, receiving the Riverside County Office of Education Academic Achievement Award. She played varsity tennis all four years where she was MVP, served as team captain and was named Hemet Sportsman’s Club Outstanding Female Athlete of the Fall 2021 season. Jenna also participated all four years in her school’s jazz and symphonic bands for which she received many awards of excellence.

She is headed to the University of California, San Diego to major in neurobiology before attending medical school to become a neurologist and help improve patients’ quality of life. Her teachers described her as being sweet, caring, and dedicated and as well as possessing a high level of personal integrity with a positive, hard-working attitude that isn’t something that can be taught.

“I greatly appreciate the scholarship, which will significantly help with my financial goals at UCSD,” Jenna said. “I plan to use the Soboba Foundation scholarship to help pay for my tuition at UCSD. Receiving this money is so helpful for my finances, especially since UCSD is around $30,000 per year. I do not have the financial means to easily pay for the expenses of UCSD, so the money the Soboba Foundation has given me will truly help me continue to save for my tuition.”

Briahna Guadamuz was on the honor roll and singled out for excellence in history and English and will attend the University of Redlands to explore career options that will meet her desire to help people and the planet.

She was recommended by her teachers because she is committed to her education and embraces the process of learning. They are confident Briahna will continue to demonstrate maturity and commitment to excellence in her academic and professional career.

“I’m really appreciative of this award because I have more time to focus on my future and studies and don’t have to worry much about paying for my education,” Briahna said. “I will value this scholarship by doing my best at the University of Redlands.”

Lanise Luna was named to multiple honor rolls, was recognized as a Student of the Month and won an AVID Write-Off competition at Noli Indian School, where she was the Class of 2022 Valedictorian.

She will major in biology at California State University, San Marcos with a goal of becoming a Marine Biologist to help improve our oceans, help marine animals that are in need of special care and help educate future generations about the animals.

Lanise was recommended by her teacher for her maturity to understand her role in different situations, her consideration for others and her desire to make a difference in her community, which gives rise to the greater vision she has for her future self.

She was surprised by the Soboba Foundation during commencement, where she was presented with the scholarship. “I remember wanting to cry out of gratefulness when they called my name,” Lanise said. “This scholarship is going to help me a lot to continue furthering my education and dreams. I’m so grateful that I have a great support system and people who will help me achieve my goals.”

Rafael Marquez made “A” Honor Roll all four years, was a National Honor Society member and excelled as a three sport Varsity athlete in football, wrestling and baseball. He will attend Vanguard University to major in kinesiology and be on its wrestling team with plans to become a physical therapist because he has seen the powerful changes therapy can make and he wants to be the one to make that change in others.

He was recommended by his teacher and coach as a truly great athlete who also excels academically and works hard with a natural willingness to do even more.

Aristeo Mendoza Rojas will attend La Sierra University as a criminal justice major with plans to enter the field of law enforcement either in the San Jacinto Valley or the San Diego area where he grew up. He was acknowledged for making positive changes in his life and his desire to make connections with young people to help them get on a positive path and change their lives for the better.

A teacher he worked with while a classroom aide said Aristeo’s positive personality is very contagious and uplifting and his strong leadership skills are admirable inside the classroom and within his community.

“This additional financial support helps my parents and I because it helps us release stress and weight off our shoulders and helps us to less worry about how we are going to pay for my future education,” Aristeo said.

Abigail Stevens maintained high grades and was honored as Student of the Month for her strong dedication. She will attend Mt. San Jacinto Community College on her path to becoming a social worker to counsel youth and encourage them to have a positive outlook on life and a desire to obtain it.

She was recommended by her physics teacher for accelerating through her coursework, stating Abigail will undoubtedly be successful in whatever path she follows.

The Soboba Foundation supports students with various programs and projects throughout the year in collaboration with local school districts.

For more information, www.soboba-nsn.gov/sponsorship.

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On Thursday, April 22nd, CalRTA Division 33 Board members, some with family members in tow, gathered at the Hangar 1 Café adjacent to the Hemet-Ryan Airport for a quick breakfast, then headed out in groups of two or three, donning masks and gloves and clutching plastic bags and trash grabbing tools with the goal of filling at least one bag per person. The group easily met its goal and left the surrounding area much cleaner than when they found it.

Volunteering is at the heart of CalRTA, and its members contribute well over one million volunteer hours annually in local classrooms, senior centers, museums and in community service projects around the state. Participating in the Earth Day project were CalRTA Division 33 Board members, Gayle Mattson, president; Sue Breyer, Vice President; Frank Siebke, Treasurer; Elizabeth Midyett, Secretary; At Large members Linda Cooke, Fran Franke, Melinda West and Sandy Kasper (with family members Jamie and Mark Ward and their daughters Samantha and Carson). CalRTA member Jackie Avritt also assisted the group, with husband Al Avritt.

CalRTA Division 33 has nearly 300 members who give of their time, effort and finances in support of the Hemet/San Jacinto communities and their schools. Each year Division 33 gives up to eight $1000 scholarships to graduating seniors in the Hemet and San Jacinto school districts and randomly selects 15 $100 Teacher Grants recipients from teacher applicants in Hemet, San Jacinto, Temecula, Menifee, Murrieta and Lake Elsinore school districts.

For more information about CalRTA Division 33, you can access their website at div33.calrta.org or email the organization at calrtadivision33@gmail.com.

Sue Breyer • Contributor

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Four local seniors earned some financial assistance for college because of their dedication to community service. Celina Abushawish, Mariam Mekhael, Kennedy Perry and Diana Sagastume were chosen among 35 applicants to receive scholarships from Soroptimist International of San Jacinto-Hemet Valley, a nonprofit that is a branch of Soroptimist International of the Americas.

Blind judging was done via Zoom, a first in the organization’s long history of awarding scholarships. Because all school awards ceremonies were canceled amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the group’s president, Traci Sanchez, and co-chair of the scholarship committee, Linda Burke, recognized the young ladies with lawn signs, baskets of treats and award certificates delivered to their homes.

Hemet High School’s Perry received $1,000 and said,” it is a “huge blessing” that will help with tuition and other expenses as she pursues her political science degree at Humboldt State in Northern California.”

“Kennedy is a brilliant student who has taken many AP, Honors and Dual Enrollment College classes,” her counselor Dawn Sonnier said. “She has always been polite, kind and respectful. She is definitely a hard worker who had to overcome adversity during high school but has come out even stronger.”

As a Key Club member, Perry helped fundraise for various charities and took on leadership roles to organize large scale service events whenever possible.

“My passion for serving this community and the world around me is unmatched,” she wrote in her application statement. “I love everything about helping others and hope to be the change I wish to see in this world one day.”

Abushawish graduated from Tahquitz High School and will be attending UC, San Diego in the fall. She hopes majoring in biology will allow her to enter a pre-med program. Her favorite subject in high school was biology and she enjoyed all her time volunteering to educate younger people in science and religion at museums, elementary schools and her mosque. She said the $500 scholarship will help her with tuition.

“What fuels my passion for service is bettering my community in every way I can,” she stated in her application. “Serving gave me an amazing feeling and a role model who always influenced me to do better and become a part of something greater is my mom.”

Western Center Academy graduate Mekhael also received $500 and said the award would allow her to be focused on her studies while attending Chapman University’s Freshman Early Assurance Pharmacy Program in the fall.

“This program is a five-year high school to Pharm.D program but I have been offered to finish it in four years since I have completed over half of the graduate pharmacy school prerequisites during high school through dual and concurrent college enrollment,” Mekhael said.

She spent much of her volunteer hours at the Hemet Valley Medical Center in different departments as well as at the Hemet Public Library, helping during its Teen Summer Reading Program.

“Everywhere I volunteered was one puzzle piece that shaped who I am today,” Mekhael said. “I enjoyed all the volunteering opportunities I was presented with.”

She said her career choice wasn’t hard to decide as her mother is a clinical pharmacist and Mariam became the go-to medical advisor to her friends who could take information to their doctors that she found by doing research on their behalf.

“I owe all that I am to my mother, who enlightened my vision to see what I am passionate about helping people,” Mekhael said. “Her love, knowledge and experience was the light that guided me and will guide me forever past the obstacles that I will be faced with. Knowing that she is always here for me, supporting me in all that I do, is what kindles my life.”

Also, from Hemet High and also receiving a $500 scholarship, Sagastume said her reason for wanting to be of service to others was a direct result of compassionate people who helped her through some tough and emotional distress.

“I hope to be that person to as many people as possible,” she wrote on her application. “At one point or another, we all need some help getting through life. I consider it an honor to serve this valley that has given me so much in such a short time.”

Most of Sagastume’s volunteerism was spent on endeavors that focused on serving the less fortunate and working with children. She will start her higher education path at Mt. San Jacinto College’s nursing program, a career choice which stems from personal experiences including watching her grandma lose her battle to lymphoma.

“I saw her in the hospital looking lifeless more times than I can remember. Unfortunately, not many of her nurses were kind to her and it bothered me incredibly to see that she was being ignored,” she recalled. “Her situation encouraged me to be a nurse and work with sick people; be a nurse my patients and their families can trust and rely on.”

Sagastume is thankful to everyone that has supported and looked out for her and she extended a special thanks to the Soroptimist Scholarship committee for all their hard work.

“This award is relieving me of a key element in my education: textbooks!” she said. “(The books) are essential to my college career and very costly at times but at least for this first year, I don’t have to worry about covering the cost.”

In recent years, the local SI branch used its annual Lunafest Film Festival platform to announce and present scholarships to the winners. When this also was canceled, members had to get creative and were happy to have the opportunity to acknowledge the recipients’ accomplishments with the home visits.

Founded in 1961, Soroptimist International of San Jacinto-Hemet Valley has a mission to improve the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment. The local club has budgeted for high school scholarships since 2009. Burke said the application has evolved so that with the 2014 award, more emphasis was placed on community service.

“Soroptimist is a global organization with over 80,000 volunteers committed to the mission of empowering women and girls through education,” she said. “Our impact is through volunteerism and service to the female community and it is personally rewarding to see the impact of the new younger generation with their service to the community and their passion to maintain the spirit of volunteerism. It is particularly nice to hear words of appreciation from the scholarship recipients who often speak of the monies making it possible for them to pursue their dreams and how they will ‘pay it forward’ with their future service.”

Information, sisjhv.org or soroptimist.org.

-Diane Rhodes

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Six local seniors each receive $1000

The California Retired Teachers Association (CalRTA), Division 33, recently awarded six $1000 scholarships to graduating seniors in the Hemet and San Jacinto School Districts. “Each year, CalRTA Division 33 proudly offers up to eight $1,000 scholarships to HUSD and SJUSD seniors who will pursue teaching careers. Unfortunately, our scholarship luncheon was canceled this year, so the six scholarship recipients received their awards online,” says Gayle Mattson, CalRTA Division 33 president. To qualify for the scholarship, students must have a 3.0 GPA or higher in their junior and senior years; they must plan to become teachers and have good citizenship at school and in their community.

Recipients of this year’s scholarships are as follows: Andrea Ortiz, San Jacinto High School, plans to attend UC Riverside and eventually become an elementary school teacher; Ashley Sanchez, Hamilton High School, plans to attend Mt. San Jacinto College then transfer to Montana State University to earn her single subject teaching credential in secondary English; Shelby Read, Hemet High School, will be attending the University of Oregon with a major in Psychology and a goal to become a 3rd grade teacher; Joanna Ramirez, West Valley High School, will be attending Cal State San Marcos, majoring in Education with a goal of teaching math or science at the high school level; Kaylee Bateman, Western Center Academy, will attend Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia in the fall, with a double major in graphic design and teaching – she plans to use her design skills to teach high school in the future; and Cindy Chavez, Tahquitz High School, will attend Cal Baptist University majoring in Liberal Studies before earning her teaching credential.

Sandy Kasper, CalRTA Division 33 Scholarship Chair for the past four years, says she is “especially proud of this year’s recipients for their ability to adapt to a new and unique situation. It is a special moment in time for everyone involved.” CalRTA Division 33 also offers $100 teacher grants throughout the school year to teachers in the Hemet/San Jacinto Valley and surrounding districts. Although retired, CalRTA Division 33 members continue to support local students and schools,” Mattson added.

-Sue Breyer

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