Menifee, Perris Valley Chambers of Commerce Present October High School Students of the Month

Pictured left to right: Dr. Jonathan Greenberg, Superintendent, Perris Union High School District; Dorothy Wolons, CEO, Menifee Valley Chamber of Commerce; Emily Schupp, Heritage High School; Richard Charles Barnett, Choice 2000 Online School; Brenda Cervantes, Perris High School; Nikkie Gabriel Ella, Paloma Valley High School; Mayor Daryl Busch, City of Perris; Councilman Mark Yarbrough, City of Perris.

Each month during the school year, together the Menifee Valley and Perris Valley Chambers of Commerce present deserving local students with Student of the Month Awards. The award is celebrated with a luncheon for the students and their families. Also in attendance are contributing businesses and key chamber and school district personnel.

As local high school students know, their principals and teachers are tasked with nominating just one student each month based on an exemplary demonstration of character, integrity, love of learning, ability to persevere and overcome challenging circumstances, community service, and the difference they have made on their respective campus.

October’s Students of the Month for 2012:

Heritage High School: Emily Shuppe

Emily’s speech and debate teacher, Mr. Choo, describes her as always thinking of others and striving to succeed with others. She is the first to offer a hand to someone in need, whether a close friend or not. Her drama director, Cassie, expressed her pride in Emily for having started a theater program in Nuevo and for always being the first with an idea and the last to have an excuse.

While Emily is still deciding on what college she will attend, she is certain she will pursue a BFA in Theater Arts.

Perris High School: Brenda Cervantes

Brenda’s Principal, Dr. Lynne Sheffield, describes her as an extremely dependable person who has been instrumental on the Safe and Supportive Schools Grant committee. ASB director Joe Rodriguez shared that she has demonstrated superior leadership skills as Perris High’s ASB President in addition to being a truly amazing and intelligent young woman. She handles every task with poise, whether it be overseeing 100 students in activities or running track.

Brenda shared that she had learned how important it is to be involved and plans to apply that to college, where she will study to become a forensic biologist/ chemist.

Choice 2000 Online School: Richard Charles Barnett

Richard currently volunteers with the California Highway Patrol Explorers as well as participates in a range of community events throughout Southern California. His biology teacher, Robert Guzman, shared how impressed he was with Richard and describes him as a natural leader, respectful, dedicated, and an all around shining example of excellence.

Richard admits he initially struggled in high school, but quickly raised his GPA from a 1.2 to a 3.4 within one semester attending Choice. He will continue the CHP Explorer program and plans to become a CHP officer.

Paloma Valley High School: Nikkie Gabriel Ella

Nikkie’s Principal, Brian Morris, describes Nikkie as a humble person with a honest intention to make a difference in the community. He is currently the number two student at Paloma Valley and shows leadership through helping others and as team captain of the varsity cross country team. His teacher, Mr. DiMauro, defines his work as “beyond good.”

Nikkie shared how excited he is for the future. He plans to attend a UC school in California and pursue the computer science industry with the goal to help makes people’s lives easier.

If you wish to learn more about the Student of the Month Program, contact founder Sally Myers at 951-506-8024.