Temecula Valley students honored in April

teacher is not just a profession but a gift from above.”

Colin Brannan

Rancho Vista High School

Principal David Schlottman explained that Colin Brannan’s school is part of the Joan F. Sparkman Alternative Education Center, which is a combination of several schools. He said his favorite theme is that of redemption when “the person who was lost gets found, those who were away finally come home, the person that gives up hope gets renewed, and the person off the path finds it again – and Colin has one of those redemption stories.” Colin admits he always struggled in school and started making bad choices.

When COVID changed the world at the end of his freshman year, he couldn’t follow the online classes and watched his grades plummet.

Diane A. Rhodes

Special to Valley News

The Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce Student of the Month program, recognizing and inspiring academic excellence since 1993, held its final recognition breakfast of the current school year on April 13 at the Murrieta Sizzler restaurant, 40489 Murrieta Hot Springs Road. Holly Wilson, Director of Linfield Christian School, served as emcee and welcomed everyone to the local high school recognition program that was founded by Sally Myers. Wilson said, “Sally is passionate about this program that is in its 31st year. She had the vision and partnered with Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce.”

Wilson explained the nonprofit’s mission for the incredible students who are chosen. College or trade school bound seniors are honored for their character, their love of learning and their willingness to participate in numerous activities such as campus events, athletics and community service as well as how they have persevered through challenging life circumstances. They accomplish all this in a setting that honors God, country, community, family and free enterprise.

Backpacks filled with gifts, certificates of recognition and much more were donated by the program’s sponsors to the award recipients. Each student was invited to the podium to share their personal story, past 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.

April’s students of the month are Chaparral High School’s Bianca Ganal, Great Oak’s Caleb Neal, Linfield Christian’s Jordan Standfast, Rancho Vista’s Colin Brannan, Saint Jeanne De Lestonnac’s Lillian Wichterman, Susan H. Nelson’s Cameryn Poff and Temecula Valley High School’s Julian Dos Santos.

Bianca Ganal

Chaparral High School is where Bianca stays busy, involved with many different activities and serving as Senior Class President but admits that sometimes students take on too much for all the wrong reasons. “I wanted to play sports, join clubs and take some AP classes. I wanted to get all As. If I didn’t, I felt like I wasn’t good enough. I was always comparing myself to my peers and constantly felt the need to put more and more on my plate,” Bianca said. She said she couldn’t find a healthy balance, was always burnt out and no letter grade or accomplishment left her satisfied. “The problem with always wanting more is that you end up being grateful for less,” she said. “We forget what’s right in front of us, what’s actually important. So a lesson I want to take with me to college is that the things and the people that I dedicate my time to are much more worthy than whether I or not I got a B in English or if I got the right amount of community service hours. That failure is actually what I needed, and it’s my friend and what’s needed to be successful in the long run. With that mindset I’ve learned to be kinder to myself.”

Caleb Neal Caleb was celebrated for his involvement in the Air Force JROTC program at Great Oak High School, especially its nationally recognized drone program. He was homeschooled for nine years before transitioning to the campus of about 3,000 students but was able to excel. Principal Aimee Ricken said Caleb is an incredible ambassador for the school. He will be attending EmbryRiddle Aeronautical University to study aerospace engineering. He eventually wants to join the Air Force as a pilot. His JROTC commanding officer, Col. Scott Barberides, nominated Caleb for a J-100 scholarship which provides a full ride to any university of the student’s choosing. Out of 850 schools in the nation that offer AF JROTC, which allows them to submit applications for this scholarship, only 150 students are chosen. Caleb said being able to overcome his procrastination allowed him to take on leadership roles and be successful.

Jordan Standfast

The entire faculty at Linfield Christian School has a voice in choosing the Student of the Month and for April that student was Jordan Standfast who is in band, debate team, theater arts and is part of the Student Ambassador leadership program on campus.

“My mom taught me how to love and serve,” Jordan said. She wants to teach elementary school to provide mentorship and guidance to young children. She plans to attend California Baptist University. “I want to dedicate this award to my grandmother,” Jordan said. “She passed away last November but today would’ve been her birthday. I’m thankful for all the love and encouragement she showed me and how she continues to give me strength every day.”

Jordan’s teacher Jeremiah dela Rosa said she is a great actress and dancer and a blessing to Linfield’s campus, which serves grades K-12. He said to her, “Your calling as a

Attending Chaparral High School at the time, he continued to suffer and halfway through his junior year, he transferred to Rancho Vista, feeling that a smaller school would help him feel not so lost.

“It was the best decision I could have made,” Colin said. “I finally had good opportunities to learn. I can’t say enough positive things about the staff and teachers at Rancho. I went from failing all my classes to getting almost all As. With their belief in me, I’ve finally been able to believe in myself and now the sky’s the limit.” He said he is considering enlisting in the military but after his experience at Rancho, becoming a teacher is something he will consider. “I’d love to be the inspiration for some kid to keep striving for better, just like my teachers have done for me.”

Lillian Wichterman

Saint Jeanne De Lestonnac High School Principal Annette Zaleski said Lillian Wichterman’s heart helps her to go the extra mile. She plans to attend Chico State or UC Davis to study marketing. “A life lesson I learned from an obstacle I overcame was proper time management,” Lillian said. She has been involved with many campus groups such as California Scholarship Federation, FFA, and has been on the volleyball, softball, cheer and basketball teams. She said doing all these things made her more organized and able to plan better. Her theology teacher Lincoln Nguyen said her tenacity and grit has allowed her to sacrifice for others. “Anytime there is an opportunity to help someone, she is the first to say yes,” he said, adding that she is leaving a legacy for future students of not what to do, but who to be.

Cameryn Poff

Susan H. Nelson High School, another campus at the Joan F. Sparkman Alternative Education

Center, recognized Cameryn Poff for her involvement at school. Principal/Director David Schlottman said the senior is involved in competitive swimming and travel softball as well as theater arts. She transferred from Chaparral High School halfway through her freshman year. She said, “There is a lot of awful in this world and we hear stories that cause us to lose faith in humanity and it’s easy for us to feel like there’s nothing we can do. However, it’s important for us to remember that we are not powerless and that every contribution has a ripple effect.” Giving whatever you can is enough and there is no way to measure a positive act. “Whether you give time, money, or kindness, you’ve done something positive for our world,” Cameryn said. She supports the Joyful Heart Foundation because their mission touches so many lives. She plans to attend Mt. San Jacinto College to become an ultrasound technician. Her nominating teacher Trisha Shea said of the senior, “Her strength of spirit is so inspiring.”

Julian Dos Santos

Temecula Valley High School

Principal Donna Lione said Julian Dos Santos is an outstanding musician who is a member of the jazz and concert bands and the wind ensemble, playing the trombone. He was inspired by his uncle who played the instrument as a member of the Brazilian army. Julian plans to attend a University of California campus in the fall to major in chemical engineering with a possible career in pharmaceuticals. Lione said she always asks the students for three words that other students would use to describe them and said Julian answered with, “smart, kind and funny.” When asked to provide words of wisdom for incoming freshmen, she said Julian would remind the young students that “the devil is in the details and to do the big things, you have to work on the little things.” Julian said the most significant life lesson he has learned is to not be afraid to ask for help when the going gets tough. “There are always people there willing to help you,” he said. His nominating teacher Jason Charles said Julian is committed to excellence.

This is the final Student of the Month ceremony for the 20222023 school year. The Student of the Year Scholarship and Recognition Breakfast will be held May 19 at 7:45 a.m. at the Murrieta Sizzler, 40489 Murrieta Hot Springs Rd.

For more information, please contact Program Chair Amber Poncy at 951-676-5090 or http:// temecula.org/student-of-themonth

Two-county education collaborative appoints Ann Marie Sakrekoff as interim president, CEO

INLAND EMPIRE – Ann Marie

Sakrekoff has been named interim president and CEO of Growing Inland Achievement, effective May 15, following the retirement of Carlos Ayala, Ph.D.

GIA serves San Bernardino and Riverside counties as a regional, cross-sector network of education, government, nonprofit and business partners in the Inland Empire; collectively, they work toward a shared vision of educational and economic success.

Sakrekoff has over 20 years of higher education and nonprofit leadership experience, including her current role as GIA’s chief operating officer.

“I am proud and excited to take on the Interim CEO role during such an exciting time for GIA as we continue building on our service to the Inland Empire educational network of students, families, institutions and community partners,” Sakrekoff said. “GIA will remain focused on its mission, impact, and growth while we search for our next permanent CEO.”

Diana Rodriguez, GIA board member and chancellor of the San Bernardino Community College District praised Sakrekoff’s experience.

“Ann Marie’s passion for helping Inland Empire students achieve their college dreams is truly inspiring,” Rodriguez said.

“With her deep understanding of the challenges facing students in the region, she is committed to ensuring that every student has access to the resources they need to succeed.

“Whether through innovative programming, advocacy efforts, or community outreach, Ann Marie is dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of our students. Her unwavering commitment to this cause has made her an invaluable asset to Growing Inland Achievement, and we are confident that under her leadership as Interim CEO, the organization will continue to make great strides in improving educational outcomes for students throughout the Inland Empire,” Rodriguez said. Sakrekoff was the first employee hired by GIA’s board of directors in 2005, helping to lead the organization since its inception.

“Ann Marie has served as the operations leader for the GIA since its early days. She has been a steady force and an excellent collaborative leader focused on advancing our region’s higher education and workforce goals,” Sheila Thornton,

Ann Marie Sakrekoff is the interim president and CEO of Growing Inland Achievement. Valley News/Courtesy photo GIA board member and CEO of OneFuture Coachella Valley, said. “Her dedication to student success is evident throughout her work. We’re grateful to Ann Marie for being willing to serve in this interim position.”

GIA’s board of directors anticipates launching a search for a permanent president and CEO in the coming months.

“Ann Marie is an exceptional leader poised to continue GIA’s efforts to increase equitable educational attainment in the Inland Empire,” Kim Wilcox, Ph.D., GIA board chair and chancellor of University of California Riverside, said. “The board fully believes in her abilities to lead the organization while we search for a permanent CEO.”

GIA staff support this work by researching issues and opportunities, developing financial resources for the region, and connecting diverse stakeholders across the two-county region of the Inland Empire. GIA’s vision is that by 2035, San Bernardino and Riverside counties will be widely recognized for their educated workforce, thriving communities and vibrant economy that creates prosperity for all. Submitted by Growing Inland Achievement.

Temecula Valley Hospital awarded spring 2023 ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group Grade reflects top national performance on patient safety through COVID-19 pandemic

TEMECULA – Temecula Valley Hospital received an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit upholding the standard of patient safety in hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers. This national distinction celebrates Temecula Valley Hospital’s achievements in prioritizing patient safety by protecting patients from preventable harm and errors. The new grades reflect performance primarily during the height of the pandemic.

“We are honored to be recognized with an ‘A’ Grade by The Leapfrog Group once again, as one of the safest hospitals in the United States,” Darlene Wetton, CEO of Temecula Valley Hospital, said. “Our teams have worked rigorously to develop best practices to ensure patient safety, quality, and satisfaction. It is deeply gratifying to see their hard work and efforts be recognized at a national level.”

The Leapfrog Group, an independent national watchdog organization, assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country based on over 30 national performance measures reflecting errors, accidents, injuries and infections, as well as systems hospitals have in place to prevent harm.

“This new update of Hospital Safety Grades shows that, at the national level, we saw deterioration in patient safety with the pandemic,” Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group, said. “But this hospital received an ‘A’ despite those challenges. I congratulate all the leaders, staff, volunteers and clinicians who together made that possible.”

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is the only hospital ratings program based exclusively on hospital prevention of medical errors and harm to patients. The grading system is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. Grades are updated twice annually, in the fall and spring.

To see Temecula Valley Hospital’s full grade details and to access patient tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit http:// HospitalSafetyGrade.org and follow The Leapfrog Group on Twitter, Facebook and via its newsletter.

Submitted by Temecula Valley Hospital.

Pala Band of Mission Indians partners with Harm Reduction Coalition of San Diego on first Naloxone vending machine on sovereign land

PALA – The Pala Band of Mission Indians is partnering with Harm Reduction Coalition of San Diego to install the first naloxone vending machine on sovereign land. Funded through San Diego County, the machine is located at the Pala Fire Department and will be a tool in reducing fentanyl overdoses and preventing opioidrelated deaths.

It is the first machine of its kind to be placed on Tribal land in the United States. With Native American tribes being amongst the most impacted by the opioid crisis, the community is coming together to collectively fight the opioid crisis. The Pala Tribe is committed to recognizing and addressing the need within the community to set an example for tribal nations across the United States. Naloxone vending machines have already been installed in various places throughout the country and have proven to be effective.

“Fentanyl is killing people around the world and here in our own community. Sixteen members of the Pala Tribe have died from opioid-related deaths,” Robert Smith, chair of the Pala Band of Mission Indians, said. “We look forward to continuing to work with Harm Reduction Coalition of San Diego to provide vital education and resources to stop these deaths. Through this program, we know we will save lives and secure a better future for everyone.”

Anyone can visit the Pala Fire Department to pick up a free naloxone kit and fentanyl test strips. Naloxone, also known as Narcane, is a fast-acting nasal spray that can stop a fentanyl or other opioid-related overdose and save a life by quickly restoring breathing. The naloxone vending machine is designed to foster preparedness for everyone. To learn more about naloxone, visit https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/ hhsa/programs/bhs/BHS_Harm_

Reduction/About_Naloxone.html

“By forming strategic partnerships between harm reduction community organizations and tribal governments, I believe we are on the right path to significantly help one of the most affected populations for opioid overdose,” Tara StamosBuesig, founder and CEO of Harm Reduction Coalition of San Diego, said.

Harm Reduction Coalition of San Diego works with the Pala

Tribe on a variety of programs and events to provide education on the dangers of fentanyl and the importance of naloxone. The partnership between the Pala Tribe and Harm Reduction Coalition of San Diego is made possible through funding from the County of San Diego. The vending machine has been placed free of charge through San Diego County’s naloxone distribution program. San Diego County led a variety of initiatives to address the opioid epidemic, including wide distribution of naloxone. Submitted by Pala Band of Mission Indians.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Many mental health disorders, including depression, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder, come with a heightened risk of suicidal thoughts or attempts.

HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. –

Since 1949, Mental Health America and its affiliates across the country have led the observance of May as Mental Health Awareness Month by reaching millions of people through the media, local events and screenings. It raises awareness of trauma and the impact it can have on the physical, emotional and mental well-being of children, families and communities. Cities and businesses across the country hold various events to support mental health and open up the lines of communication. Many websites provide ideas for businesses to support their employees during the month of May and beyond.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide rates in our country increased by 36% between 2000-2021. Suicide was responsible for 48,183 deaths in 2021 alone, which is about one death every 11 minutes. Many mental health disorders, including depression, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder, come with a heightened risk of suicidal thoughts or attempts. While seeking help for suicidal thoughts or behaviors is critical regardless of the cause, securing a specific diagnosis may help the individual receive treatment-especially ongoing treatment -that is best suited to their

Valley News/Metro Creative photo mental health needs.

Mental Health America said that up to 60% of people who die by suicide have major depression, and research suggested that the majority of suicides are related to a psychiatric condition. If you or someone you know is depressed, there are effective treatments available. Talking to a doctor is a good first step, and visiting the National Alliance on Mental Health Illness to learn more about support groups that can be helpful.

The Jason Foundation is another valuable resource. The Jason Foundation is dedicated to the prevention of the “Silent Epidemic” of suicide through educational and awareness programs. On the website, individuals will learn about warning signs and risk factors associated with people who may be struggling with mental health issues and suicidal ideation. Four out of five individuals considering suicide give some sign of their intentions, either verbally or behaviorally. In 80% of those considering suicide, people have an opportunity to recognize the warning signs and intervene. Individuals can take the time to educate themselves on the warning signs and risk factors associated with suicide. This knowledge may help save the life of a friend or loved one.

Submitted by The Jason Foundation.