High School Students of Month Honored by Local Chambers

Pictured left to right are Dr. Jonathan Greenberg, Superintendent, Perris Union High School District; Dorothy Wolons, President, Menifee Valley Chamber of Commerce; Ikeya Adams, Perris High School; Nathifa Rose, Paloma Valley High School; Danielle Lemus, Perris Lake High School; Alejandro Partida, Paloma Valley High School; Mayor Daryl Busch, City of Perris; Mayor Pro-tem Mark Yarbrough, City of Perris; and Councilman Julio Rodriguez, City of Perris.

Outstanding local high school students were honored recently by the Menifee and Perris Chambers of Commerce and the Perris Union High School District as Students of the Month for March.

Nathifa Rose is Paloma Valley High School’s Student of the Month. According to Principal Brian Morris, Nathifa is everything Paloma Valley stands for and is a leader in everything she does. Nathifa’s teacher, Ms. McNicolas, shared that Nathifa is outspoken, kind, has a great sense of humor, and an incredible young woman. Nathifa’s father, Gregory Moore, stated that Nathifa has a love for learning and thrives on being involved in multiple activities. Nathifa thanked everyone in attendance for the recognition. She went on to share that she enjoys helping people and plans to attend UCR to study bio chemistry or psychology and enter into the medical field.

Heritage High School’s Alejandro Partida is a quiet, shy, and determined young man, according to Principal Julie Zierold. He has spent the all of his four years of high school in wrestling and has grown both athletically and as an individual. Alejandro shared that he was surprised on receiving the recognition. He admitted to struggling with most everything. He shared that he has always looked up to his mom and his older brother, who used wrestling to break through some of his struggles. Alejandro plans to attend Cal State San Bernardino and study psychology to become a counselor.

Perris High School Student of the Month is Ikeya Adams. Ikeya is currently involved in ASB, National Honor Society, athletics, and other organizations on campus. She is described as an outspoken and vivacious individual who loves to accept a challenge. Her Spanish teacher, Ms. Tejeda-Van Rensburg, stated that Ikeya is well respected by her peers. She is also a scholar athlete and a phenomenal young lady. Ikeya shared that she was honored to receive the recognition, and that she will be attending Cal Baptist University and major in political science. She plans to further her education and become an
attorney practicing family and juvenile law.

Perris Lake High School’s Danielle Lemurs, is described by her teacher, Mr. Benson, as a pleasure to have in class. She comes in motivated to learn and currently holds a 4.0 in his class. Danielle shared that she has been in and out of the foster care system and there are not too many that make it through high school. She was determined not to be a part of those statistics. Danielle’s foster mom, Roxana Loria, stated that she was very proud of Danielle. And along with working hard in school, Ms. Loria shared that Danielle also has a heart to help other people. Danielle plans to attend Everest College and study criminal justice.

The students are nominated by their teachers and staff at their respective school sites and are chosen for their character, integrity, love of learning, ability to persevere and overcome challenging circumstances, community service, and how
they make a difference on their high school campus.

March’s students and their families attended a luncheon sponsored by the Perris and Menifee Chambers of Commerce along with local businesses and organizations. Principals and teachers from each high school shared stories about the students and they each received certificates of recognition, numerous gifts, congratulations and encouragement from local, county, state and federal dignitaries.