Michelle Chavez, Melissa Melchor Win "School Pride" Contest

From left: Julie Zierold, Heritage High principal; Michelle Chavez, Heritage High contest winner; Doug Spoon, Menifee 24/7 Editor; Melissa Melchor, Paloma Valley High contest winner; Don Williamson, Paloma Valley High principal.

Two winners selected from nearly 400 entries were honored with certificates and a $50 VISA gift card Friday night as the Menifee 24/7 "Why I am Proud of My High School" contest came to a close.

Readers were asked to write a short essay about why they are proud of their high school. The winners were Michelle Chavez of Heritage High School and Melissa Melchor of Paloma Valley High. They were presented their awards at halftime of the Menifee Bowl football game by principals Julie Zierold of Heritage and Don Williamson of Paloma Valley and Menifee 24/7 Editor Doug Spoon.

Below are the winning essay contest entries. We'll publish more of the top finishers next week!


Michelle Chavez

I am proud to be a Heritage High School student. I am proud to be part of a school with not only great athletic teams, but also wonderful academic programs and a wide variety of clubs. Each student has an opportunity to find something that appeals to their interests and encourages them to want to be more involved. I am proud of our wonderful and supportive teachers who do so much for us and push us to reach for the stars. They never give up on us and they also help us to never give up on ourselves. Heritage students are so supportive of one another. We help each other in any way we can.

We are more than just a school; we are a huge family tied together by education and common goals. No matter what type of classes you take, the sport you play, the group you are in, or whether you are a teacher, student, or other staff member, we are all connected in one way or another, to help, support, and lift each other up no matter what. I am so proud of my Heritage family for turning our high school careers into a phenomenal, unforgettable, experience.


Melissa Melchor

The teachers, students, and athletes are what make me proud of Paloma Valley High School. Students in their classes become groups of friends with their teachers. Athletes in a team bond together like one big family. I am a sophomore this year at Paloma, and I have had a great experience so far, ever since I entered high school. The cross country team is practically my second family; we work very hard together, and that is what I am the most proud of about this school.

My peers and teachers are always there to support me and heighten my spirits. It is amazing how ingenious and lively the students are, which still applies to the average kid who the teacher assigns to sit next to you in a planned seating chart. My teachers appreciate and socialize with us, and get us involved, making the classroom environment all the more interesting. Everyone in the school is enthusiastic about the things we get to do together. What a remarkable high school to be part of!