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

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

Hemet Unified School District

Haylie Alvarez

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

Katelyn Cerpas Fuentes

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

Jennah Ramirez

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

Erendira Soria

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

Aaron Turner

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

San Jacinto Unified School District

Christopher Garcia

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

Elizabeth Schmitz

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

For more information, www.studentofthemonth.net.

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Student of the Month Committee member Lakshman Koka 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.

September’s students of the month from Hemet Unified School District are Jaysen Arreola, Nevaeh Gray, Charlee Horton, Isaac Montes and Lily Snow. San Jacinto Unified honorees for September are Monique Merendon and Raven Volrie. Edgar Gladin from Noli Indian School was also honored.

Hemet Unified School District

Jaysen Arreola

Hemet High School chose to honor Jaysen as its first Student of the Month. Teacher Laura Brown said after having Jaysen in Honors English as a sophomore, she encouraged him to take AP Research, the highest class offered by the College Board and “he is thriving.” Less than two years ago, Jaysen was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a degenerative autoimmune disease which has no cure. He has to deal with doctors’ appointments for checkups, infusions, medications, tests and much more. “I have to take pills every day and there are times when I feel exhausted and sick and anxious almost to the point of being completing debilitated,” Jaysen said. “However, above all that I feel in a lot of ways my life is so much better. My grades have never been higher, and I feel so involved with my community, my school and family.” He volunteers at the Western Science Center and is treasurer for the Breakfast Club at his school. Jaysen said the accomplishment he is most proud of is the ability to care for her younger brother who is disabled. “The most important thing that I’ve probably learned from all these hardships and responsibilities and my fight to be healthy and happy is this: adaptation to and recovery from difficult situations comes one step at a time, which is kind of cliché but it is very true. He hopes to attend UC Berkeley to major in geology.

Nevaeh Gray

Hamilton High School Principal Kari Sanchez said Nevaeh reminds her of one of her favorite quotes: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” Former teacher and current varsity volleyball coach Lance Fogle said Nevaeh has always been a conscientious learner, cares for the people around her and is very confident in a leadership role. “She prefers to be unnoticed in her serving others but can also step up and out when needed; this is a rare quality,” he said. Nevaeh said she always worked hard in school, not for the rewards but for the knowledge she gained and the pride she gave to her grandparents who raised her. “Their love has been my greatest motivation but what truly defines me is not only academic—it is kindness,” Nevaeh said. “My kindness is not quiet or hidden; it is loud, visible and meant to be shared. I believe kindness has the power to change the atmosphere of a school and even the course of somebody’s life.” She plans to pursue a career in medicine as a traveling nurse to combine her passion for helping people with her dream of seeing the world.

Charlee Horton

Western Center Academy teacher Melanie Thornburg introduced Charlee as a leader on campus who excels academically and as a varsity athlete at her home school, which brings its own challenges because she has to travel. “The hardest thing I ever faced was my dad passing away,” Charlee said. “At first, I didn’t know how to move forward. I had to keep showing up for myself and everyone around me. I had to learn how to balance the grief of my dad passing away and the fragility of my grades. I had to learn how to stay focused on a future I couldn’t even see at the time.” She said her support system got her through it and taught her to reach out and support others. She plans to attend UC Irvine to study criminology to eventually become a lawyer. “A lesson that I will take with me to college, through my career and the rest of my life is to keep moving, even when I think I can’t,” Charlee said.

Isaac Montes

Tahquitz High School Digital Media Academy head Omar Ali has known Isaac since his freshman year, and said it took a while before he came out of shell. The following year, Ali was asked to recruit 30 students for the new Academy and he immediately knew that Isaac would be the best fit for that. He was looking for him to become a leader and ultimately he took to the position. “He controls all media coming out of our school, leading over 100 students in the digital media academy,” Ali said. Isaac said he suffers from hyperhidrosis, excessive sweating, which necessitates him to wear gloves all the time. “But that isn’t necessarily my biggest challenge, which has mostly been communication,” he said. “I’ve struggled with being more open about that.” Isaac said stepping into the leadership role has given him the opportunity to face that and forced him, in a good way, to be more open with everybody. “The biggest lesson is there will always be opportunities,” he said. He said even if you think you missed it, even if you regret not taking advantage of an opportunity, there will always be another chance for that; it’s just a matter of time.

Lily Snow

The Academy of Innovation is an independent study school that chose to honor Lily for September. Math teacher Julie Hoye said Lily was the unanimous nomination among all teachers and is a great representation of the school and what it can offer students. Lily explained that she came to this school by necessity, having suffered a serious ATV accident the summer before she was to begin her freshman year at Hemet High School. Throughout her freshman and sophomore years she underwent 10 surgeries and nine of them were performed on her face which had taken the brunt of the damage. “It was brutal, and it wasn’t just about the surgeries and doctors’ appointments; it was about coming to terms with seeing a different face in the mirror,” Lily said. “It challenged me in ways I didn’t think were possible.” She said that being involved with ASB all four years and serving as president this year has taught her to always lead with purpose.

San Jacinto Unified School District

Monique Merendon

Mountain View High School selected Monique as its Student of the Month. CTE film and media teacher Ron DeGenova explained that as part of an alternative education school, his class is unique in that it emphasizes project-based learning, group project work and collaboration. He said Monique became a role model and leader for other students in the class. “One of the main lessons I’ve learned over time is that there’s always room for improvement no matter the struggles or mistakes you’ve made,” Monique said. “Always be kind, loving and respectful to others and God will be by your side.” She explained that she moved around a lot when she was younger and lived for a while with a mother who was addicted to drugs. She lost her older brother to an overdose, and she and her other siblings were removed from the home. Monique started using drugs herself and ended up in a juvenile detention facility. She has plans to graduate early and do a film production internship at Mt. San Jacinto College. Eventually she hopes to start her own real estate business. “Always have faith in yourself,” she said.

Raven Volrie

San Jacinto High School chose to honor Raven and English teacher Marissa Jensen said the young woman has faced obstacles that could have knocked her off her course but didn’t. She is the manager of the football team and helps with the yearbook. “She is someone who proves that obstacles don’t define us, how we respond to them does,” Jensen said. Raven explained that shortly after her father kicked her out of the house, he died. She was a sophomore at the time. “It was a pain that could’ve broken me but instead it taught me strength and resilience and the importance of never giving up,” Raven said. “I found joy being involved with the school, whether it was through clubs, activities or sports. Each opportunity gave me a chance to grow, not only as a student but as a person.” After high school, she plans to move to Texas to live with her grandfather and pursue her studies to become a medical laboratory technician. “This career path is not just a profession to me—it’s a way to give back to help others and to use my skills to make a real difference in people’s lives,” Raven said. “Every step I have taken has been guided by my faith. Without God in my life I don’t know if I would have had the strength to keep pushing forward.”

Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians

Edgar Gladin 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 85–90-mile radius. He said he feels honored when students such as Edgar make the choice to attend Noli and not a local school closer to their homes. Teacher Jacquelin Phillips has been at Noli for almost two decades and described Edgar as a student who is always striving for success and is very inquisitive, which pushes her as a teacher. After graduation, Edgar plans to take EMT courses and then enter the fire academy. One of the biggest obstacles he has had to overcome is the loss of his dear cousin earlier this year. “A life lesson I will take with me everywhere I go is to never give up—always walk with your head up and your chest out,” Edgar said. “I plan to give back to my community every chance I get, whether that’s by teaching my culture or lending a hand to someone in need.”

For more information, www.studentofthemonth.net.

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Soboba Casino Resort General Manager Jason Cozart said the idea to convert the tennis courts at Soboba Springs Golf Course into pickleball courts was spurred by the growth that the sport has seen across the country in recent years.

“With the popularity of the game overall and the possibility of holding large events and/or tournaments, it was a really easy decision to turn an underutilized part of our property into something that would drive traffic and fill a need we saw in our community,” he said.

Cozart said the overall project, which began last fall, took a lot of coordination and consultation to make sure the courts would meet the expectations of the pickleball community. He said several pickleball ambassadors, professionals and community members provided great insight and feedback at every stage of the project.

The final result was wholeheartedly embraced at the official grand opening celebration on Jan. 27. Cozart said they received some great feedback in the few weeks prior during the courts’ soft opening. The facility has 20 regulation courts and one stadium court, which is where the ceremony took place.

Cozart welcomed everyone to the event that showcased the project and thanked his SCR team and everyone who had a hand in getting the facility ready for its official unveiling. After a blessing from Soboba Tribal Member Raina Maciel, Tribal Council Chairman Isaiah Vivanco was invited to the stage to share a few words.

“We’re proud to bring these amenities as another facet of the resort atmosphere,” he said. “We look forward to keep growing the resort in a manner that brings opportunity to our community.”

Dignitaries were then introduced, which included Tribal Council Vice Chairwoman Geneva Mojado and Sergeant-at-arms Mike Bentiste and Soboba Foundation President Dondi Silvas and Secretary Andy Silvas. Also recognized were several members of the Hemet-San Jacinto Chamber of Commerce who assisted with a ribbon cutting at center court.

Inter-Tribal Bird Singers Jericho Vivanco and Deven Lopez performed two songs, followed by music from DJ Mike Nevarez who also served as emcee throughout the event.

Cozart said, “This is a place where we’re hoping the community can come together with friends and family to make memories; a place that will continue to provide growth for the Tribe and the community at large. We hope to have some big tournaments out here and hope you’ll come join us for those.”

After those closing remarks, he made his way to the center of the stadium court with SCR colleague Charles Berglund to play the inaugural game against pickleball professionals Jem Morris and Warren Tamanaha. Morris of Washington is co-founder of The Pickleball Experience and spends his time touring on the pro circuit. Tamanaha is from Garden Grove and has been playing since 2020. Despite some very exciting volleys and some strategic moves from the amateurs, the pros emerged victorious. The game was refereed by USA Pickleball Ambassador Rosie “Dinker Bell” Roper.

Roper of Hemet has been playing the game since 2010 and has been an ambassador since 2011. “We are so excited to see this open,” she said. “The courts are beautiful and to have this many in the area is a big plus. This is wonderful.”

Throughout the five-hour celebration under sunny skies, there were instructors and coaches letting players try their hand, or rather paddle, at various fun games. For those new to the sport, they provided some basic lessons.

Certified pickleball instructor Ryo Shinagawa of Corona has been a USA Pickleball Ambassador for about five years. He has been playing the game since 2016 and was happy to show newcomers how to play and have fun with others who were testing their skills at getting the ball in the right spot. “The sport has really grown within the last two years with millions of new players,” he said.

He said the stadium court with bleachers at each end for spectators to watch games and side walls totally covered so there are no distractions is really nice. “The color is totally new and different and helps with the visibility of the ball,” Shinagawa said.

Jennifer McKee of Valle Vista had never played any sports before but has been playing pickleball for about a year and a half and loves it. “I love the sportsmanship and the socialization – it’s a fun activity that’s not overly strenuous,” she said. “Everyone encourages each other; you feel like part of a community.” She added that it’s easy to play anywhere since the only required equipment is a racquet and ball, making it very portable.

“This place is a huge value for the valley and we’ll definitely be back,” McKee said. “This sport is in its infancy but it’s growing fast.”

Cozart said, “I love that anyone can play the game. Regardless of skill level, competitiveness or age, this game brings together people from all walks of life. Not to mention that it can provide some great exercise.”

For the most part, the adjacent pool will be open during the same hours as the pickleball courts and a permanent food truck is also on site during hours of operation. The restrooms in the pool area will be available during operating hours, and pickleball members will also have full access to locker rooms and bathrooms in the golf course clubhouse.

Executive Casino Host Justice McKnight is part of player development and said he is excited about the crossover promotions that will be part of the player experience. He said there will be discounts and other offers based on casino guests’ play level. And with something for everyone, from golfing to swimming and now pickleball, he expects to see a lot more activity throughout the Soboba Casino Resort. For more details, McKnight can be reached at jmcknight@soboba.com or 951-665-1000, ext. 1215.

Vendors at the event were very helpful with questions that novices and seasoned players had. Kevin Klabunde with Selkirk Sport explained the difference between all the paddles that ranged in price from $50 for a beginner to $250 for the Luxx. He has been the western regional sales manager for six years and said Selkirk Sport is the number one brand in pickleball as far as distinction. The Soboba Springs Golf Course pro shop will stock Selkirk Sport and other pickleball gear plus equipment available to rent for first-time players.

Klabunde is from San Diego but played tennis at UCR when he was a student there and was inducted into its Men’s Tennis Hall of Fame in 2007.

Cozart feels that the pickleball courts at Soboba offer much more than others he has visited. “With the beautiful clubhouse right next door, and the pool facility, I believe we offer a fantastic setting with a full set of amenities,” he said. “State-of-the-art lighting will provide excellent playing conditions at all hours, and the number of courts we have will allow for private court rentals that will not interfere with open play that many pickleball players will enjoy.”

For more information, please visit www.soboba.com or download the Soboba Casino Resort app to effortlessly stay up to date on all active and upcoming promotions, discounts and special events. The app is available for free at both the Apple App and Google Play stores.

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