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.

November’s students of the month from Hemet Unified School District are Deanna Bailey, Jaida Gilbert, Diego Gomez, Deonys Ioane and Terrell Strong. San Jacinto Unified honorees for November are Karen Alvarenga Quiroz and Jacob Burke.

Hemet Unified School District

Deanna Bailey

Hamilton High School Principal Kari Sanchez introduced Deanna as a “phenomenal student and leader on campus.” Attendance clerk and Cheer coach Darian Henderson said she has watched Deanna lead the cheer team with strength, passion and genuine care for everyone around her. She serves as captain with grace, all while balancing multiple AP classes, Girl Scouts and helping care for her two disabled family members at home. Deanna feels her greatest contribution is helping others and tries to make a positive difference wherever she can. “I’ve learned that small acts of kindness can have a big impact on people,” she said. The outstanding senior plans to major in biology with a goal of becoming a physician assistant. She said it wasn’t easy for her to find a way to juggle three varsity sports, maintain good grades, be social, and prioritize family time but she did so with determination and faith. “The most important lesson I’ve learned is that success isn’t about grades or awards—it’s about effort, attitude, and kindness,” Deanna said. “Those are the things that truly define who we are and how we’ll make a difference in the world.”

Jaida Gilbert

Hemet High School Principal Jeff Franks said, “Many of you have had the pleasure of hearing Jaida sing the national anthem at various district events; she’s an outstanding singer and also an outstanding student.” Her CTE First Responder teacher Wayne Eder said Jaida was in the program when it started last year. “I also test people to become firefighters and police officers,” he said. “Jaida completed physical testing and requirements and became certified as a wildland firefighter.” Growing up in Texas, Jaida’s family was involved with the AME Church that came under scrutiny that caused the family personal and financial struggles. At 13, her mother was diagnosed with leukemia and at 14, Jaida developed POTS partially due to large amounts of personal trauma she had suffered. “Recreational activities such as choir and sports became a way for me to relax and a start to my healing process,” Jaida said. “Over time, I have learned to turn the anger and hurt that I felt once before into determination and positivity. I’ve now found a strong passion within the healthcare pathway, and I hope to major in nursing at California Lutheran University to become a certified pediatric nurse.”

Diego Gomez

Western Center Academy Executive Director Paul Bailey said Diego is a bit of a “pied piper” on campus in that everybody wants to be able to follow him. Teacher Melanie Thornburg said Diego continues to inspire others with his perseverance. “He’s our hype man for everything,” she said. Diego thanked his parents for always pushing him to be the best he could be. “In my sophomore year, I took an all-weighted class schedule, played three sports and fit salsa dancing into the mix,” Diego said. “My parents pushed me to accomplish all that while also dealing with personal challenges.” Being dyslexic, he admits to being a slow reader and learner in grade school, but his parents would not let that stand in the way of him challenging himself academically. Although his IEP (Individualized Education Program) allowed him to have certain accommodations, his mother did not want him to be treated as less than the other students. “Late last year, I became partially blind,” Diego said. “It’s been a challenge to overcome, and I lost a lot of motivation, but my parents pushed me to overcome things.” He plans to attend California Baptist University to study engineering.

Deonys Ioane

West Valley High School chose to honor Deonys for November. She is a straight-A student who is co-captain of the volleyball team where she plays starting center. “I believe my greatest contribution to my family is being responsible and supportive,” she said. “I do my part around the house, I help with my siblings when my parents are busy with work, I stay focused on my goals, and I try to set a good example for my siblings.” Deonys plans to major in kinesiology with the goal of becoming an athletic trainer for a college or professional sports team. “The biggest challenge I faced was being a military kid,” she said. “This meant moving every three years and starting at a new school. It was fun being able to travel around the world, but I always wanted to stay in one place.” During the time her father served in the Marine Corps, Deonys has lived in three different states and spent six years in Japan where she attended three different schools. Looking back, Deonys said she is thankful for the challenges she endured. “Because they have taught me resilience, adaptability and independence,” she said.

Terrell Strong

Tahquitz High School Principal Andrew Holmes described Terrell as the ideal recipient for the Student of the Month award. “He’s an exceptional athlete whose athleticism is second to none; he is a true joy to watch on the football field. He’s a superstar on both sides of the field,” Holmes said. Counselor Kelly Duggins has known Terrell since he was a freshman. “He has taken a lot of hits on and off the field, but I can tell you he has a lot of grit,” she said. “Every time he’s been knocked down, he pops right back up.” Terrell’s father passed away in 2022 and he said, “It was hard for me to grasp mentally and physically because he was my coach, he was my everything. With him not being here, it was difficult.” Terrell said he had to learn how to push himself physically and academically because there was no one there to tell him what to do. But with support from school staff, family and the Lord, he was able to get through it. He thanked some of “the people who have helped me turn my pain into purpose.”

San Jacinto Unified School District

Karen Alvarenga Quiroz

Mountain Heights Academy selected independent studies student Karen for November. Her teacher Sarah Heritage said that after working through some personal issues, Karen is back on track. She was planning to graduate early but decided to stay on and join the Film & Media class and enroll in the CTE Health Careers pathway this year. “I think my greatest contribution to my school and community has been simply being myself, someone who tries to live by kindness, love and peace,” Karen said. “I’ve learned that sometimes the most meaningful impacts come from small things like encouraging others, lending a hand when someone needs it, and showing compassion.” She said that four years ago she didn’t have a plan for herself. “During my sophomore year I struggled a lot, and I was placed in treatment for an eating disorder,” Karen said. “Now I have many dreams and I’m going to chase them all.” She wants to work with the movie industry, help those in hospice care, study law, work in a bakery and rescue animals. “I only get one life, and I want to fill it with as much as I can,” Karen said.

Jacob Burke

San Jacinto Middle College High School instructor Lt.Col. Michael Howard said, “Jacob has risen to the top two percent of my JROTC program to become a member of the cadre, one of the top five cadet officers who lead the entire unit of 190 cadets. He has excelled in leadership roles since his freshman year.” Howard said that what makes Jacob truly extraordinary is that he continues to pile up achievements while enduring multiple surgeries, physical therapy and daily pains. “Courage, determination and optimism like this I have not seen in my 10 years as a teacher,” he said. Jacob said his greatest contribution to his community is his time. “I’ve learned that showing up consistently makes a real impact,” he said. He plans to study aerospace engineering. “My goal is to design sustainable systems that solve real world problems,” Jacob said. “But the path hasn’t been easy. Just a few weeks ago I had major spinal surgery; in fact, I’ve undergone 39 surgical procedures in my life. These experiences taught me resilience but more importantly they taught me that clarity and structure unlock confidence. Whether I’m solving equations or presenting ideas, organizing my thoughts leads to better outcomes and deeper understanding.”

For more information, www.studentofthemonth.net.

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The Soboba Sports Complex was filled with family members and other supporters for the 10 middle schoolers who were being promoted on June 2. Principal Donovan Post welcomed all who came to “help us celebrate achievement” and thanked families for their support and time. He thanked and introduced the Noli School Board, for everything they do in the best interest of the children. In attendance were President Sandra Boniface, Vice President Lucille Briones, Secretary Avellaka Arviso, and Members-at-Large Mia Gonzalez and Darryl Silvas.

Post, who started as an English teacher at Noli, more than 25 years ago, recalled teaching many family members of the current students, including their parents. “That feeling of family is what makes us strong and that’s what makes it worth it,” he said. “It’s not just having a Tribal school that is Tribally controlled on a Reservation, but that sense of family.”

Traditionally, Post asks all students if any would like to give a speech at the ceremony and Victoria Boiso, who hopes to be valedictorian of the Class of 2029, stepped up to the podium. The outstanding eighth grader already has her sights set on attending Cornell University after she graduates from high school.

“I pride myself on being a leader,” she said. After thanking her friends and classmates for the many middle-school memories, she recited a poem she had written for History teacher and AVID Coordinator Lorin Alvarez, who is leaving Noli.

“In every lesson a world to explore, you opened doors we hadn’t seen before,” she read, in part. “Thank you, Alvarez, for all that you’ve done, we’re going to miss you tons and tons.”

With tears in her eyes, Alvarez took the stage and presented several students with their AVID honor cords. Then she presented each student with their Certificate of Achievement/Promotion.

After the promotion was official, guests were treated to a student-made slide show that shared some of the highlights for each student and for the class as a whole.

Those who qualified for promotion, with their Tribal affiliation, are: Victoria Boiso, Soboba; Samantha Gladin, Sioux; Ani Hampton, Soboba; Celine Hollingsworth, Soboba; Tamara Hurtado, Soboba; Harlow Ortiz, Los Coyotes; Tukwut Ortiz, Soboba; Lylianna Procela Gemmell, Tohono; Kenneth Razon, Soboba; and, Gabriel Romero, Yaqui.

On the morning of June 3, seniors and their families were invited to a luncheon where the students received special recognition for accomplishments during the year. The Sports Complex was set up with a table for each senior that had their photos and a program for the commencement ceremony, being held that evening at the Soboba Casino Resort Event Center.

Noli’s Class of 2025 are Babe Briones, Soboba; Valedictorian Daigan Cyhan, Pechanga Band of Indians; Johnny Gutierrez, Soboba; and Salutatorian Arionna Ward, Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians.

The event also served as a college-signing day as the students were given a symbolic certificate to sign, acknowledging their commitment to higher education goals. Post said, “You take all our hopes and dreams with you; you are our future.”

Daigan is headed to UCR to study biology for a career in the medical field, Arionna received a full-ride scholarship to Redlands University and will major in business and finance that will enable her to help her Tribe, Babe will enroll in the FABTECH program at The FAB School to become an automotive welder and Johnny plans to become a history professor, beginning his studies at Mt. San Jacinto College.

Senior Advisor Jacquelin Phillips presented individualized recognition certificates.

“My most valuable moment was watching your students grow,” she told the families, and to her students she said, “Thank you for letting me push you.”

Multiple achievement awards and recognition for leadership, academic excellence, participation in AVID and ASB and more were given to the seniors. The Principal’s Award was presented to Daigan for “Outstanding Academics” for his 4.0 GPA.

Crystal awards for earning the top two spots in their graduating class were presented to Daigan, whose “accomplishments have set an inspiring example” and to Arionna “for consistently producing at the highest levels.”

That evening, seniors watched the Soboba Casino Resort Event Center fill up for the commencement ceremony. As each one took the stage, a prerecorded message was played, where they introduced themselves, thanked special people in their lives, shared a memorable high school moment, and a favorite quote.

Babe Briones has attended Noli since ninth grade and his favorite quote is by rapper King Von, “If you ain’t ready to lose, you ain’t ready to win.” Daigan Cyhan began at Noli in sixth grade and chose a quote by musician Drake, “Never let success get to your head, and never let failure get to your heart.” Johnny Gutierrez also started at Noli in sixth grade and shared, “Let everything happen to you, beauty and terror, just keep going, no feeling is final” by Austrian poet Rainer Maria Rilke. Arionna Ward enrolled at Noli in her sophomore year. Her favorite quote is by American writer Mercedes Lackey, “If it’s stupid and it works, then it’s not stupid.”

Principal Post reflected on the 27 graduations he has been part of and thanked Tribal Council and the School Board for all their years of support. As a Soboba Tribal member himself, he said the campus has always had a strong sense of community.

Daigan participated in the “Calling of the Four Directions” and Desert Cahuilla Birdsongs led by his uncle John W. Contreras and family. Daigan’s mother Tashina Miranda Ornelas coordinates the culture department at Noli and she and her daughter, who is a student there, joined other bird dancers.

In her speech, Salutatorian Arionna said, “As we begin a new chapter of our lives and our paths go in different ways, we will always share the memories here at Noli. Live with no regrets and be true to who you are.” She thanked those who attended the ceremony and those who couldn’t be present but are watching from above, with the best seats.

“Even though they couldn’t be with us on our special day, they are always walking alongside us and will always be with us in our hearts,” she said. Arionna wore a memorial medallion with a photo of her beloved grandfather Michael Salgado and the words “Always Pops.”

Valedictorian Daigan shared that attending Noli has been one of the greatest experiences of his life. “Being able to attend an all-Native American school has meant a lot to me,” he said. “I think that the cultural impact that it has had on me was very key to the person I am today.”

Principal Post shared the special acknowledgement each graduate received from Assemblymember James C. Ramos that read, “On behalf of the California State Assembly and as Chair of the California Native American Legislative Caucus, it is my privilege to present you with this certificate of recognition for your graduation as a 2025 Noli Native American student. Your tireless efforts and educational achievements are a testament to all that is to come. I wish you the best in your future endeavors as a Native American scholar. Congratulations.”

Post then invited Chairman Isaiah Vivanco to the stage and stated the students have met all requirements set forth by the state of California, the Department of Education and the Bureau of Indian Education and he was nominating them for graduation.

“I accept your nomination and declare these students to be graduates of Noli Indian School,” Vivanco said. Loud applause followed and the students turned their tassels and left the stage to meet with their families and friends.

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