Murrieta area seniors receive Student of the Year honors

Diane

A. Rhodes Special to Valley News

The Murrieta/Wildomar Chamber of Commerce 2022-2023 Student of the Month program culminated in its 28th annual Student of the Year breakfast on May 18 at the Murrieta Sizzler restaurant, 40489 Murrieta Hot Springs Rd. Emcee Mary Walters, Assistant Superintendent of the Murrieta Valley Unified School District, introduced Sally A. Myers, who founded the first of four area Student of the Month programs more than 30 years ago.

“We partnered with the Murrieta Valley Unified School District and the Murrieta/Wildomar Chamber of Commerce to bring the program to this area,” Myers said. Close to 9,000 students have been honored over the four programs since the beginning and she shared the nonprofit’s mission statement as to how a Student of the Month is chosen.

The local high school recognition program acknowledges college and trade school bound seniors for their character, their love of learning and their commitment to academics in addition to their participation in athletics, school activities, community service or the ability to overcome difficult life circumstances in a setting that honors God, country, family, community and free enterprise.

Myers explained that each Student of the Year was awarded a $4,000 scholarship and chosen through a competitive application process judged by volunteer community members. 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 and supporters. Student of the Year honorees are Murrieta Canyon Academy’s Lilli Carmichael, Murrieta Mesa High School’s Kaitlyn Carrillo, Murrieta Valley High’s Alanah Antillon, Oak Grove School’s Seyedeharmita “Armita” Barzanji, Springs Charter School’s Cadence Wright and Vista Murrieta High School’s Caryn Cole-Stango. Each one was invited to the podi- emy are under the umbrella of Hemet Options schools and attend twice per year each. One student out of all three schools is chosen for Student of the Year.

The evening was reminiscent of awards ceremonies such as the Oscars and the Grammys since the results were not revealed in advance. A short video clip of each student’s speech from when they were honored during their month was played before announcing the winner for each school.

Hemet Unified School District’s Student of the Year honorees are Issabella Castaneda, Valerie Flores, Enrique Martinez, Alexander Nahsohn and Eliana Parts Fragata. Those honored from San Jacinto Unified School District are Desiree Herrera and Christina Mehlman.

Issabella Castaneda

As Student of the Month in December for Tahquitz High School, Castaneda will pursue a career as an MRI technician. She said the most significant life lesson she um by their principal who presented them with a medal to signify their achievement. Students shared how their passions will be integrated into their future plans with a room full of supporters that included family members, as well as community and school district dignitaries, including MVUSD Superintendent Ward Andrus.

Lilli Carmichael

Murrieta Canyon Academy chose

Lilli as Student of the Month in November. Principal Matt Bean said Lilli’s impact has been felt across the entire campus. He said her creativity, inclusivity and determination guided the school to plan and executive its very first prom and she was elected the inaugural prom queen. “Her passion to support others provided her with the inspiration to successfully pilot and present a peer mentor program on campus,” Bean said. Lilli said, “My passion is people. I love meeting people, helping people and making new connections. I’m an extrovert in every definition of the word and I use that to my advantage. She will attend Mt. San Jacinto College to complete her general education and then transfer to a university where she will double major in law and political science.

Kaitlyn Carrillo

Murrieta Mesa High School singled out Kaitlyn in January as its Student of the Month. Principal Scott Richards told all the seniors in the room that they are leaving behind a great legacy at their respective schools. Kaitlyn said, “Learning, leadership and service –these are my passions and have been instilled in me since I was young.”

She completed her Girl Scout Gold Award and earned the Boy Scouts of America Eagle Scout rank. She said service to others has always been a passion and her time volunteering at BSA summer camp the past two years allowed her to instill leadership and confidence in others. She will attend Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo to study computer science.

Alanah Antillon

As Murrieta Valley High School’s Student of the Month in September, Alana was touted as having the “it” will take with her to college is to “cherish everyone around me and love them as if it’s the last day on earth because tomorrow is never promised. Show your love and be the light in someone’s life. Let there be more love than pain and hurt. Count your blessings and be grateful for everything.”

Valerie Flores Academy of Innovation’s January Student of the Month Flores plans to attend California State University Channel Islands in Camarillo. She is interested in art and sees herself likely being associated with it in some way in the future.

“A significant life lesson I’ve learned is to rely on myself and trust myself,” she said. “I want to be a highlight in the life of people, leaving a positive impression and fond memory for them to carry through their day.”

Desiree Herrera Mountain View High School/ Mountain Heights Academy singled out Herrera in March. She has chosen to attend Mt. San Jacinto College for a year and transfer to factor, according to Principal Ryan Tukua. He said that her outstanding performance in sports and clubs on campus has made the Nighthawk community grateful. Alanah said when she found the school allowed students to start their own clubs she began a Model UN Club since she hopes to one day be shaping policies. She also revamped the GirlUp club and helped lead members to participate in two successful community service projects. “What Murrieta Valley offered me was opportunity,” Alanah said. She will attend UCLA with a double major of Political Science and History on a pre-law track.

Seyedeharmita “Armita” Barzanji Oak Grove School honored Armita as Student of the Month in February, which is when she graduated. Principal Tammy Wilson said she will be returning to participate in the school’s commencement ceremony on June 20. She said Armita shined on the volleyball and basketball courts, always brings out the best in people and showed much resiliency as she worked on coming out of a state of depression. Armita said, “I honestly didn’t think

La Sierra University, which is her dream college. There she hopes to study criminal justice to become a special victims unit detective. A life lesson she will carry with her to college is believing that she can accomplish anything she puts her mind to and just believing in herself.

Enrique Martinez November’s Student of the Month at Hemet High School was Martinez. He plans to pursue his passion for computer science at California State Polytechnic San Luis Obispo and hopefully secure a career at a top tech company in the future.

“Your experiences make you who you are,” he said, adding that his personal experiences have taught him that life isn’t promised to anyone.

Christina Mehlman San Jacinto High School honored Mehlman in February. She plans to attend California Baptist University to study psychology. Acknowledged for her courage and willingness to make it her mission

I’d graduate high school because I lost motivation for life for a long time. Being up here today is pretty incredible. It’s crazy how life can change so quickly.” She plans to pursue a career as a forensic psychologist for children.

Cadence Wright Springs Charter School’s Student of the Month in March was Cadence. Principal Valerie Walker said it was amazing to see Cadence come back to in-person learning and make up for what she lacked due to her difficulties with online learning. Cadence said, “My school means the world to me and I would not be surprised to see myself back at Springs in the future, working as a teacher or teacher’s assistant.” She said one of her recently formed passions has been volunteering and contributing to her campus by planning events throughout the school year. “I hope my passion for helping others will continue into college and into my future career. My hope is to major in education and maybe one day I can create an environment for my students where they love to learn and are spirited participants in all extracurricular activities.”

Caryn Cole-Stango

to provide hope for others, she has been described as being generous, patient, kind, faithful and committed.

Alexander Nahsohn Nahsohn was November’s choice from Hamilton High School. He plans to pursue a career in psychology or as a therapist to help others get past a traumatic experience. As a 10-year member of Boy Scouts of America, he said he learned life skills such as patience, persistence and confidence and has taught those skills to younger Scouts.

Eliana Parts Fragata West Valley High School selected Parts Fragata in December. She plans to attend University of California San Diego where she will double major in biomedical engineering and mathematics.

“From a young age, I’ve always known that I wanted to change the world,” she said. “My childhood was rocky at times, and I’ve had my fair share of challenges but I’m not going to focus on them.” chosen for their ability to meet the criteria set by the community members, organizations or businesses who sponsored the awards. The name of each scholarship is followed by the name of the student, their school and the month they were selected as Student of the Month. Adanesne Carrasco Soto Memorial Scholarship: Kylie Wallace, Hemet High School, September; Dr. Koka & Family Medical Scholarship: Michelle Rodriguez, Mountain View/Mountain Heights, February; Daniel Lopez Jr. Memorial Scholarship: Blade Davalos, Alessandro High, October; M.A.L.H.Y. Alessandra “Ale” Ruotolo Memorial Scholarship: Kaitlyn Turner, West Valley High, March; Marie Quandt Memorial Scholarship: Troy Oloa, San Jacinto High, October; Sizzler/BMW Management Scholarship: Isabelle Lee, Hamilton High, January; and the Cassi Tichy Memorial Scholarship: Sierra Evans Hamilton, Tahquitz High, November.

Vista Murrieta High School named Caryn as Student of the Month in September. Principal Celeste Scallion said since then, Caryn continued to be intentional and lead by example. Her life has been punctuated by adversity, but this has taught her how to be resilient and she found school to be her safe place. Scallion said, “When asked what inspires her to pour into others, Caryn shared that she gets joy from reminding others that they matter.” Caryn is an active volunteer for Project 99, a nonprofit dedicated to educating the community about suicide awareness and prevention. Caryn said, “I’ve always learned that there is a hidden ‘why’ behind feelings and actions. As a mental health advocate, we take that ‘why’ into account when interacting with others and we learn how to translate that into a ‘how’ –how can I change this, how can I make others feel loved and valued, how can I help?” She will attend Cal State, San Marcos to major in political science. For more information or to participate in the program, please contact LouEllen Ficke at 951-415-2250 or Sally Myers at 951-775-0520.

Kevin Bender

Rancho Christian High School chose Kevin Bender as its November Student of the Month. Principal Doris Jackson said Kevin has many academic and athletic accomplishments as well as leadership abilities on campus as ASB Senior Class President and off the campus as an active member of Boy Scouts of America. Kevin said his unwavering passion is that of service to others. “One of the most transformative journeys I embarked upon was achieving the esteemed rank of Eagle Scout,” he said. “This incredible milestone not only represents my dedication and perseverance but also enabled me to participate in an impactful service project that brought tangible benefits to my community.” He will be attending Claremont McKenna College as a finance major.

Colin Brannan

Rancho Vista High School’s Student of the Month in April was Colin Brannan and Principal David Schlottman reiterated how school was difficult for Colin until the first part of his senior year when he was finally able to accept advice and constructive criticism from his parents and turn things around. “A year ago, I wanted to drop out of school,” Colin said. But finding and building relationships and bonds with teachers and staff at Rancho Vista was something he had not experienced at any other school. “It is beyond my wildest imagination to be standing up here today (as Student of the Year) but now learning is my passion,” Colin said. He will attend Mt. San Jacinto College before enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Lillian Wichterman

St. Jeanne de Lestonnac Catholic High School’s April Student of the Month was Lillian Wichterman. The school’s president, Sister Ernestine Velarde, said the honoree has been attending the school since Prekindergarten. Lillian said the school blessed her with many opportunities to serve others and that became her passion. In addition to food drives and other local community events, “I also helped establish a new nonprofit in memory of a dear friend,” she said. The Heather Janikowski Foundation aims to promote healthy lifestyles and wellness for children and families to help them reach their full potential. Lillian is directly involved with their main two annual fundraisers. For more information, www.jh.foundation . Lillian will be attending California State University, Chico to study business marketing.

Alexis Ritenour

Susan H. Nelson High School’s February Student of the Month was Alexis Ritenour. Principal David Schlottman said it is no surprise that Alexis was chosen as Student of the Year due to her resiliency as she dealt with tragedy. She was not afraid to try something different by leaving a traditional large high school to attend Susan H. Nelson. Alexis explained that two weeks before the end of her sophomore year, her father passed away abruptly. “I would never have been so passionate about music if it weren’t for my father’s passing,” she said. “In fact, I’d probably be headed to college for a medical degree. Being able to turn my anger, hurt, confusion, grief and anguish into poetry that others can enjoy and relate to is what sets me apart from many others in the same field. Alexis will attend Mt. San Jacinto College for a degree in music while continuing to work on her music and having it published.

Joshua Elizalde Temecula Preparatory School honored Joshua Elizalde as Student of the Month in January. Upper

Individual scholarships were presented to students who were

For more information, visit http://www.studentofthemonth.net uplifted and archived for future generations. At Stanford University, she plans to double major in English and Sociology.

School Dean Bryanna Brossman said people are just drawn to Joshua, who has attended the school since kindergarten. She said his kindness and thoughtfulness are felt by many on campus. Joshua said his passion is music and it is an integral part of his identity. He began playing piano at age five, taught himself how to play the guitar during the pandemic lockdown and then taught himself how to record and produce music. He was also a tenor section leader for the Temecula Prep chamber singers’ program. “Using music as an outlet has given me the fortitude to persevere through turbulent and confusing times,” Joshua said. He will major in business administration with a minor in music production at USC, where he looks forward to trying out for the USC Chamber Choir as well.

Katelyn Kitzerow Temecula Valley High School’s October Student of the Month was Katelyn Kitzerow. Principal Donna Leone said the young woman has the innate ability to make an impact on others. Joining the Sports Medicine Club at her school helped shape her path to pursue a career as a physical therapist, helping athletes to rehabilitate from injuries and get back to the sport they love.

Katelyn and her family launched the nonprofit CJ’s Smile in memory of her 10-year-old cousin, who loved sports and passed away from cancer in January of 2022. The organization aims to help create smiles on the faces of patients at Rady Children’s Hospital that are going through what CJ went through. For more information, www.cjssmile.org . Katelyn will attend Boise State to major in Kinesiology with an emphasis on sports medicine.

Closing remarks

After their individual speeches, the students were asked to sit together as a group so they could receive words of encouragement from local dignitaries and program sponsors who took turns at the podium wishing them well.

Myers closed the event with a quote about generosity from motivational speaker John Maxwell. “No person was ever honored for what he received, honor has been the reward for what he gave.” She told the students, “You are here today being honored for how you have given of yourself, how you have made a difference and how you have impacted and influenced others.”

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