On December 15, 2016, students from Hemet Unified and San Jacinto Unified were recognized as Students of the Month at an awards breakfast held at the Sizzler Restaurant in Hemet. Students were selected from West Valley High School, Tahquitz High School, Hamilton High School, ASPIRE Community Day School, San Jacinto High School, and Mountain View High School/Mountain Heights Academy.
Sponsors of the Student of the Month Program donated backpacks filled with gifts, gift certificates, a plaque, and much more. The students had an opportunity to thank their families and teachers who have supported them and helped them plan their future life goals.
Isabel Michel was chosen as West Valley High School’s Student of the Month. Isabel was nominated by her Math teacher, Dana Gonzalez. Gonzales chose her for her ability to buckle down and focus on the task at hand and for her generous and caring spirit. She is on West Valley’s Academic Decathlon Team, Associated Student Body (ASB), and in AVID. Isabel suffered from seizures when she was younger and her health and capabilities declined significantly. Doctors said a full recovery was slim and she would most likely require an electronic device to communicate. However, she and her family never gave up. Isabel is now number one in her class with a Grade Point Average of 4.83 and hopes to attend Stanford University. She said she has stuck to the motto “always finish the race strong,” and it has helped her overcome her adversities.
Clayton Ellis was selected as Tahquitz High School’s Student of the Month. Clayton was nominated by his English Teacher, Tina Porter, for being an outstanding leader and student on campus. Clayton is a team player and motivates everyone around him to reach their full potential. He has a passion for learning, is honest, compassionate and respectful to everyone he encounters. Clayton said he is thankful for many people in his life: his parents, teachers, and baseball coach. He said Coach Savage has a wonderful ability to take on different roles in order to help his athletes through difficult times in their life and has helped him while his dad has been serving the country. He said these people have been strong role models and taught him how to be a leader.
Russell Collins was selected by Ann Mohn, his Psychology and Economics Teacher. Mohn said she nominated Russell for his ability and willingness to step forward and assume responsibilities in tasks. Russell is the President of Interact, a member of Hamilton’s Mathletes, and on the school’s soccer and track and field teams. Aside from helping his campus, he also received the Presidential Volunteer Service Gold Award for volunteering almost 1,000 hours of community service. Russell plans to go to college to follow his dream of becoming an engineer.
Aleea Diamond Moore was chosen as ASPIRE Community Day School’s Student of the Month. Aleea was nominated by her Counselor, Laverne Williams Schoonover. Williams Schoonover said she nominated Aleea for her outstanding academic achievements, leadership skill, and community outreach services. She said Aleea has an outgoing personality and positive attitude that will continue to push her forward. Aleea said she is thankful for the support she has received and felt very honored to be chosen as a Student of the Month. She plans to attend college to pursue her dream of entering into the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC).
Michael McGivney was chosen for Hemet High School, but due to a scheduling conflict, he will be recognized at the January 19, 2017 event.
Congratulations to the students, teachers, principals, and family members. It was an inspiring morning celebrating these students and their bright futures.