November Students of the Month Honored by Chambers

Pictured left to right: Dr. Jonathan Greenberg, Superintendent (Perris Union High School District); Grant Bennett, (Perris Valley Chamber of Commerce); Dorothy Wolons, President (Menifee Valley Chamber of Commerce), Alvaro Villanueva, Perris High School; Holly Woods, Heritage High School; Rubi Raymundo, Paloma Valley High School; Elizabeth Talavera, California Military Institute; Mayor Pro Tem Mark Yarbrough, Perris; Councilman Greg August, Menifee.

The Menifee Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Perris Valley Chamber of Commerce announced the November Students of the Month.

The students were nominated by their teachers and staff from their respective schools and are chosen based on their character, integrity, love of learning, ability to persevere and overcome challenging circumstances, community service, and how they make a difference on their campus.

For Heritage High School, the November Student of the Month was Holly Woods. Despite being involved with many extracurricular activities and maintaining a busy schedule, she still maintains a 4.0 GPA. Julie Zierold, Heritage's principal, described Woods as being one of the most passionate people she knew. Planning to pursue her loves of math and comedy at the college level, Holly has decided she would like to be a double major in math and acting. Her hope is that she can help those struggling with math, by making them happy at the same time. Woods has applied to UCLA, USC, and UCI.

Out of Paloma Valley High School, Rubi Raymundo was selected as the Student of the Month. Raymundo is a participant in many activities including Link Crew, Key Club, CSF, and AVID. Principal Don Williamson describes Raymundo as having a strong work ethic. Raymundo shared that she felt lost when she first entered high school, but found herself through physics. She plans to major in mechanical engineering at Stanford after she graduates from Paloma Valley.

The California Military Institute selected Elizabeth Talavera as their Student of the Month. Principal Michael Rhodes described Talavera as being a silent warrior. Talavera revealed that high school has been challenging at times for her, but attending CMI has taught her discipline, respect, and has pushed her out of her comfort zone to lead others. She has yet to select a college, but she has decided that she will major in history and continue her education in law school.

From Perris High School, Alvaro Villanueva was selected as the Student of the Month. Villanueva was nominated by several teachers who described him as humble, modest, authentic, and selfless. A member of the National Honor Society, Villanueva revealed that when he first started high school, he would compare himself to others, but learned that everyone has their own path in life. He plans on attending Harvey Mudd University and major in civil engineering.

Students and their families were invited to a breakfast sponsored by the Menifee Valley and Perris Chambers of Commerce, along with local businesses and organizations. Faculty from each high school told stories of the students and each student was awarded a certificate and gift bag.