Temecula Valley seniors receive Student of the Year honors

The Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce Student of the Month program, recognizing and inspiring academic excellence since the 1992-1993 school year, held its recognition breakfasts from September through April. Each local high school’s honoree was eligible to apply to be named Student of the Year for their site. The nine students who passed a competitive application process were honored at the 31st annual Student of the Year Scholarship & Recognition Ceremony, held May 19 at the Murrieta Sizzler restaurant, 40489 Murrieta Hot Springs Road.

Sally A. Myers, founder of the nonprofit program, welcomed everyone and shared the mission of the local high school recognition program which sets the criteria for the incredible students who are chosen. She said 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.

As a reminder that the students are headed away from home to attend college, large plastic laundry baskets were used to hold all the gifts and certificates of recognition donated by the program’s sponsors to the award recipients. Along with a scholarship for $1,665, gift cards from several Promenade mall retailers, a personalized iPad from Rancho California Water District and a diploma frame courtesy of the Chamber were among the numerous rewards for each student.

Student of the Year honors were presented to Chaparral High School’s Marinne Sheldon, Great Oak’s Sarah Wilson, Linfield Christian’s Alexis Jones, Rancho Christian’s Kevin Bender, Rancho Vista’s Colin Brannan, St. Jeanne de Lestonnac Catholic High School’s Lillian Wichterman, Susan H. Nelson’s Alexis Ritenour, Temecula Preparatory School’s Joshua Elizalde and Temecula Valley High School’s Katelyn Kitzerow. Each one was invited to the podium by their principal who presented them with a medal to signify them as being a “gold medal winner.” Students shared how their passions will be integrated into their future plans with a room full of supporters that included principals and family members, as well as school district and community dignitaries such as Temecula Mayor Zak Schwank and former mayor and longtime City Councilmember Maryann Edwards.

Marinne Sheldon Chaparral High School’s Student of the Month in March was Marinne Sheldon, who has received much recognition and many more awards since then. Principal Tina Miller said she is a “model student on campus.” Marinne said, “My passion is working towards a goal with a creative and passionate group of

Recipients of people. I love the satisfaction of a job well done, especially when that job includes photography, graphic design, colors, camera angles and choosing fonts.” Marinne enjoyed promoting school culture and spirit on campus and was involved with sports and clubs, always trying to help create a sense of community among the students. She will attend Brigham Young University, Provo to major in graphic design and study various digital media arts.

Sarah Wilson Great Oak High School chose Sarah Wilson as its January Student of the Month. Principal Aimee Ricken said Sarah has led her varsity volleyball teammates strongly as captain and received sports awards and scholarships for her outstanding performance on the court. Sarah said, “My passion in all aspects of my life is to infuse joy into every person and interaction. I strive to make people feel loved, valued, cared for and seen.” She plans to spend the summer volunteering to coach volleyball at Great Oak and for her club program. “My goal is to share my love of the game with them and to show them the greater importance and value beyond the wins and losses,” Sarah said. She will attend Azusa Pacific University to major in Allied Health as a pre-med major, while playing volleyball at the collegiate level.

Alexis Jones Linfield Christian Principal

Carrie Washburn said October’s Student of the Month, Alexis Jones, led a team of student journalists to show them how to celebrate others. Alexis said, “One of the greatest passions in my life has always centered around writing, storytelling and communication. Through my tenure as Journalism Club president, I believe I have differentiated myself, added value to our school and pulled from my love of communication to leave behind a unique legacy.” She has accomplished her mission of providing a dynamic platform on which the many different stories of the community can be shared,