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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Elijah was part of a team of 16 who worked together to confront mission scenarios that require problem solving and critical thinking skills. The six-day camp found young people, aged 9-11, immersed in astronaut training techniques using equipment adapted from NASA’s astronaut program.

“We were busy all day long,” he said. “We woke up at 6:30 a.m. every morning and went to bed around 9:15 p.m. each night. Some days we were able to have recess for 10 minutes and they would allow us to hang out with our teammates for an hour before bed.”

Some of his favorite STEM activities were building and launching cardboard rockets and experiencing the Five Degrees of Freedom simulator. “It turned five degrees in each direction,” Elijah said. “The chair simulated how it would feel to be in space with zero gravity.”

Delesia Silva told her son about the camp, and he thought it sounded like it would be a lot of fun. “We looked up YouTube videos and I decided I wanted to try it,” Elijah said. “I enjoy learning about space and space travel.”

“I knew this camp would be a good fit for Elijah because he loves everything related to STEM,” Silva said. “When he was just 18 months old, he could name all seven planets in our Solar System. His love for science kept growing, especially his interest in space exploration. I’ve taken him to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory twice, and each time he was in awe. Space Camp felt like the natural next step.”

Silva said that as a parent, it was hard to spend a week away from Elijah. “This was his first sleepover, and I wasn’t sure how he would handle it. I was mostly thinking about whether he would be comfortable. We flew to Alabama, and I booked a hotel right next to the camp, just a short walk away. The camp also allowed the kids to call their guardians every night before bedtime, which helped.”

Also helpful was the fact his 11-year-old cousin Izaiah Silva was there, and they got to be on the same team. Of the seven teams that were at the camp during the same week as them, they were on Dorado, named for a fish constellation in the far southern sky. Only two teams were singled out for recognition on graduation day.

“My team won an award for being an Outstanding Team because we demonstrated communication, trust, problem solving, critical thinking and teamwork,” he said. “There was one other team that won best mission patch for their patch design.”

Elijah said an unexpected highlight was being picked as one of the three cadets to be on the art team to create his team’s patch. “We did not win, but winning Outstanding Team seemed better,” he said.

Some of the camp-wide Challenge night activities included building a cube as a team while in the water and speaking in double talk to ensure messages were being delivered appropriately.

“Staff added additional challenges such as hopping on one leg while building the cube under water,” Elijah said. “We had to have one hand on our head while building the cube. This challenge was a lot of fun. We also experienced Jeopardy! (game show), space edition. We were split into two teams to answer trivia questions about space.”

After his Space Camp graduation on July 4, Elijah stayed in the area and enjoyed some other adventures. “My family and I visited the MidCity District and watched the fireworks show put on by the city,” he said. “The next day we visited Alabama A&M University’s campus, an HBCU in Huntsville. I enjoyed visiting the campus. I was able to see the engineering building and the football field.”

They also visited the famous convenience store/gas station Buc-ee’s. “That was exciting to see because of all of the Buc-ee’s merchandise and different foods to choose from. I tried the beaver chips, apple pie, and the blue cream soda. I also enjoyed visiting the Waffle House. My mom explained that we don’t have this franchise available in California. She grew up visiting this place often and it brought back great memories. The food was delicious. I had steak, scrambled eggs and grits.”

Delesia Silva grew up in Mt. Gilead, North Carolina, and this was her first time visiting Alabama. “It reminded me a lot of home,” she said. “The Southern cooking, familiar places like Waffle House, the humid weather, the green landscape, and the warm hospitality all brought back memories of my hometown. It was refreshing and comforting.”

Elijah’s summer has also been filled with his ongoing entrepreneurial and philanthropic pursuits. He has six gumball machines located in area businesses that he checks and refills every two months. His newest one was installed at Destination Smokehouse BBQ in Murrieta. He also hosted his popular lemonade stand for several weeks again this summer. He is saving his earnings for a car.

“I decided to take the money out of the bank and invest it in cryptocurrency,” he said. “I know this is a long-term investment. I am hoping it pays off. It’s been up and down but no significant losses.”

Elijah serves as CEO for Elijah Cares, the family’s nonprofit organization that was established to educate, build networks and strengthen communities. The Silva family believes that educating kids involves teaching them the knowledge, skills, and values that will help them grow into responsible and successful adults. They organize events and activities to make connections to those that can collaborate on projects and initiatives and share resources and information.

“Recently, Elijah Cares participated in Black Voices of the Valley’s Juneteenth celebration,” he said. “We ran the craft corner. Kids were able to create their own bracelets, paint canvases and ceramics, make soap, candles, and bedazzle Africa inspired keychains. I had an awesome time.”

The busy young man has also stayed focused on his academic studies. Having been chosen to attend the Western Center Academy through its lottery system of enrollment, Elijah has already been given some math schoolwork to complete before classes begin on Aug. 11. The charter school serves grades 6-12.

“I have wanted to attend WCA since 3rd grade,” said Elijah, who was able to skip fourth grade. He is looking forward to studying chemistry with his future career sights set on becoming a nuclear physicist.

“When Elijah is exposed to something he loves, he holds on to the information and takes it upon himself to learn more,” Silva said. “He learned about Alyssa Carson, the young woman who dreams of going to Mars and never returning. After camp, Elijah and I talked about how he might one day design a spacecraft to bring her back to Earth or find a way to turn a natural resource on Mars into fuel so she could return. This experience helped him grow in critical thinking and problem-solving. His passion for science, combined with the right exposure and resources, will continue to encourage innovative thinking and may one day contribute to the advancement of our society.”

Launched in 1982, Space Camp has inspired and motivated young people from around the country, and later the world, with attendees from all 50 states, U.S. territories, and 150 foreign countries. It offers a one-of-a-kind educational experience that illuminates real-world applications of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

For more information, www.rocketcenter.com/SpaceCamp.

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For many students, it was their first time stepping onto a college campus. Their day began with a warm welcome in the campus theater from Dr. Heather Abushanab, president of AAUW Redlands and physicist. She encouraged the girls to envision the futures they could create. “You can succeed despite adversity,” she said, setting the theme for the event.

MSJC’s Vice President of Student Services, Rebecca Teague, a former Hemet middle school student herself, reminded the students of the resources available to them. “This building was developed with you in mind,” Teague said. “We are here to prepare you for your journey ahead, whether through dual enrollment or other programs that help you get ahead with your dreams. You are important to the future, and we need strong, bright, and independent women to lead us forward.”

The keynote address by award-winning author and education advocate Erica Alfaro, best known for her book Harvesting Dreams, captivated the audience. Alfaro shared her powerful story as the daughter of migrant farmworkers who overcame significant obstacles to achieve her educational goals. “It took me six years to complete my bachelor’s degree, but every step was worth it,” Alfaro said. “There are no limits if you believe in yourself. Remember, 80% of your conversations are with yourself, so make sure to be your own best friend.”

The conference included engaging workshops led by women professionals in STEM fields, who volunteered their time on a workday because of their commitment to young women’s futures and the mission of the AAUW members who organized and carried out the conference. Workshops included animatronic prototyping, forensic science, physics, and financial literacy for women, with hands-on activities designed to inspire curiosity and confidence in students who may have never considered careers in these fields.

Pam Ford, a retired MSJC anthropology professor and one of the event organizers, emphasized the importance of introducing young girls to women thriving in STEM professions. “This event is a labor of love—not just through the heart, but also through the mind,” Ford said. “We want these girls to see that education can make the impossible possible.” She added, “We couldn’t do it without the support of MSJC staff, especially Beth Bowles, MSJC’s Outreach Specialist.”

Thanks to the generosity of sponsors, including the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, Sun Lakes Country Club Charitable Trust Board, Laura May Stewart Foundation, Sorenson Engineering, and Suzanne Cranston, the girls also enjoyed a delicious and nourishing lunch during their day of exploration.

The conference concluded with smiles, laughter, and newfound aspirations. One 8th grader from Hemet summarized the day: “I didn’t know so many women did such amazing things in science. It made me feel like I could do it, too.”

Students’ comments on the event evaluation echoed the impact of the day:

“You can do anything if you work hard.”

“I learned that striving to do the things you want to do will get you places in life.”

“I can do anything no matter who I am and where I come from.”

“I learned that we as girls need to dream big, and if we set our hearts to it we can do it.”

“Be confident and have fun doing it and be kind.”

“I learned that I matter, and I shouldn’t give up.”

“How all these women made me believe everything is possible.”

“I would love to come to this college!”

“The keynote speaker was awesome. I enjoyed it very much and got emotional at some point. I started feeling confident and felt like everything is possible if you never give up and work hard.”

MSJC and the AAUW look forward to continuing their partnership to foster the next generation of women leaders in STEM.

—–

For further information, please contact:

Andie Pasolini

Director of Public Information, Marketing, & Strategic Communications

apasolini@msjc.edu

Office: (951) 487-3060

Cell: (951) 768-4713

About Mt. San Jacinto College

Mt. San Jacinto College (MSJC) is a comprehensive community college serving a diverse student population of approximately 30,000 annually across a 1,700-square-mile area. With campuses in San Jacinto, Menifee Valley, Temecula Valley, and San Gorgonio Pass, MSJC provides accessible, equitable, and innovative educational programs. The college offers a wide range of courses and programs designed to meet the transfer requirements of four-year colleges and universities, supporting students in achieving their academic and career goals.

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Robert Mauger, a high school Career and Technical Education Transportation Automotive teacher at Corona High School in the Corona-Norco Unified School District, was tapped.

Thurmond praised all five educators.

“These remarkable teachers have a lasting impact on their students, equipping them with the skills needed for success. They serve as an inspiration and exemplify the exceptional work happening in California schools,” he said.

Mauger and the other four teachers are ambassadors of the profession and will serve as representatives of the state for the calendar year.

Mauger’s road to a career in education was not a straight line. In his younger years, he was interested in social and criminal justice with hopes of becoming a probation officer.

While working toward his degree, however, he discovered an interest in child development.

Mauger started his career in education as a paraeducator working with emotionally disturbed students, but his lifelong passion for hands-on work and mechanical repair, passed down from his father, led to earning a career and technical education credential.

Mauger’s expertise in restoring cars has led to the restoration of the automotive technology program at Corona High School, which is not only preparing students with technical skills, but with life skills like confidence, a strong work ethic, and how to be a good human.

Mauger’s colleagues describe him as “a consummate professional with the desire to make his auto technology classes not only industry standard — but the best in the nation.”

One colleague described how Mauger’s “high core values and excellent communication skills have led to his auto shop becoming a platform for connecting students to learning.”

Mauger has described his teaching career as increasingly rewarding with each passing year — especially as more students make the shift from his classroom to their own career journeys. His greatest satisfaction comes from witnessing the “aha” moments from students — especially when diagnosing and fixing issues under the hood of automobiles.

Presented by the California Department of Education and supported by the California Teachers of the Year Foundation, the California Teachers of the Year Program began in 1972 to honor outstanding teachers and encourage and inspire new teachers to enter the profession.

County offices of education nominate California Teachers of the Year applicants through their county-level competitions. The CDE selection committees review applications, evaluate teachers’ rapport with students, classroom environments, presentation skills, and teaching techniques, and interview the teachers. The State Superintendent of Public Instruction then selects the five California Teachers of the Year and the National Teacher of the Year nominee.

Here are the 2025 California Teachers of the Year:

Matthew Winheim, a middle school STEM Aviation and Mathematics teacher at Space Aeronautics Gateway to Exploration Magnet Academy in the Palmdale Unified School District (Los Angeles County). Note: Thurmond nominated Winheim as California’s representative for the National Teacher of the Year competition. Winheim will compete against other state nominees, and the 2025 National Teacher of the Year will be announced in the spring.

Kristen LoPrell, a high school Mathematics and AP Calculus teacher at Grossmont High School in the Grossmont Union High School District (San Diego County).

Robert Mauger, a high school Career and Technical Education Transportation Automotive teacher at Corona High School in the Corona-Norco Unified School District (Riverside County).

Nicholas Westfall, a high school Physical Education teacher at Alexander Hamilton Senior High School in the Los Angeles Unified School District (Los Angeles County).

Arby Jean Wolkov, a high school American Sign Language teacher at William Howard Taft Charter High School in the Los Angeles Unified School District (Los Angeles County).

For more information on the award program, visit the CDE California Teachers of the Year web page. Visit the Teach California website for more information on becoming a teacher.

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The Western Center Academy in Hemet has nabbed the nation’s top award for schools.

It is one of 33 campuses in California — and the only one in the Inland Empire — to be named a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School.

The honor marks the second National Blue Ribbon for the charter school, which also won in 2017. It has been recognized as a California Distinguished School several times, including 2013, 2018, 2021 and 2024.

The national award went to 356 schools, the U.S. Department of Education announced Monday, Sept. 23. It “highlights schools that excel in academic performance or make significant strides in closing achievement gaps among different student groups,” a department news release states.Part of the Hemet Unified School District, the school is adjacent to the Western Science Center, a natural history museum, at the entrance to Diamond Valley Lake.

Among other feats, the school won the championship in 2024 and 2023 at the Riverside County Academic Decathlon. The academy has a STEM focus, with labs that delve into  paleontology, archaeology, robotics, forensics, coding, aquatic biology and geology, according to its website.The school, which has grades six through 12, will receive a National Blue Ribbon School award flag.

Blue Ribbon winners “serve as models of effective and innovative practices for educators across the nation,” the release states.

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