Chambers of Commerce recognize PUHSD Students of Month

Pictured are September’s Students of the Month. Front row - Samantha Valenzuela, Heritage High School; Robert Barrios, Perris High School; Demetri Estrada, California Military Institute; and Nicole Wetzel, Paloma Valley High School. Back row - Sally Myers, Founder; Alejandra Herrera, Riverside County Office of Education; Joe Fuentes, Assemblyman Kelly Seyarto; Grant Bennett, Superintendent, Perris Union High School District; Kirk Skorpanich, Menifee Valley Chamber of Commerce; Council member Dean Deines, City of Menifee; and Eddie Jaime, Congressman Mark Takano. 

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The Perris Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Menifee Valley Chamber of Commerce kicked off the 2021-2022 Student of the Month program in September, honoring outstanding students from local high schools.

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.

September’s honored students and their families attended a breakfast 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.

Heritage High School’s Samantha Valenzuela is September’s Student of the Month. Samantha has become an integral part of Heritage High School, being involved in multiple organizations including Link Crew, Parent Engagement Leadership Institute (PELI), media arts, and others. Samantha shared that being involved in numerous programs has helped her grow into the person she is today.

Samantha shared the difficulties she had as a baby who was born with drugs in her system due to her birth mother abusing drugs during her pregnancy. She has had to overcome many obstacles but has done so gracefully. Samantha also shared that being involved in campus organizations has taught her that her voice has meaning and what she says matters.

“I have learned that throughout high school, it’s important we all have our own voices. And I can’t wait to take that with me, expand it, and see it grow when I go to college,” she said. Samantha plans to attend UC Davis and major in animal science to become a veterinarian.

Paloma Valley High School’s Student of the Month is Nicole Wetzel. Nicole is currently in the top five in her class and has a GPA of 4.381. She serves on the National Honor Society, is president of Paloma’s Mock Trial organization, and is the highest ranking cadet in Paloma’s NJROTC Wildcat Battalion.

According to her principal, Dr. Jennifer Thomasian, in addition to such obvious academic and leadership capabilities, Nicole is often described as humble and kind. She also takes time out of her day to mentor younger Wildcats. One question that is asked of each Student of the Month is to describe their contributions to their school, home, and/or community. Nicole shared that her biggest contribution is more of her character and not a typical action.

“It’s my personality and how I carry myself and my leadership capabilities. I am pretty optimistic and positive, even when things don’t go my way,” she said. Nicole is hoping to continue her education at UC Berkeley, majoring in computer science and specializing in cybersecurity.

Perris High School’s Student of the Month is Robert Barrios. Robert has always wanted to play football. He started playing in his sophomore year and has continued to excel both in football. According to principal Juan Santos, Robert is a true testament to one of Perris High’s students who has really benefited from playing football. Robert’s passion for football has evolved into a passion for his school. His coach, Michael Mesa, shared that Robert really leaves his heart every day at Perris High. “He gives his heart to everyone and he is a driven student athlete,” Mesa said.

Robert’s mother, Rosario Duron, also shared that she was very proud of her son, saying it has been one of the most difficult years, but not once had Robert given up, and he has continued to persevere. “He gives a hundred percent in school and at home,” she said.

Robert plans to take a one-year break from college to come back and help coach football at Perris High School. He will then enter into a two-year college and transfer to a four-year university to further his education.

Demetri Estrada is California Military Institute’s Student of the Month. Demetri is recognized as being a stellar leader. He is involved in Link Crew, Honor Memorial detail, and as a captain, training other cadets. According to his principal, Dr. Igor Milosavljevic, Demetri is someone incredibly devoted to students, staff, and to his community.

While learning the principles of leadership and applying them to everyday life on campus, Demetri takes each day to apply his skills overseeing multiple projects and cadets. Demetri admitted that it does take quite a bit of work and is a bit challenging.

“I can’t say being a leader is easy, as I’m still trying to be one right now. But I can say it is important not to lose sight of what’s really important as a leader,” he said.

Demetri has been described by staff as compassionate, gracious, conscientious, and devoted to anything he does. He hopes to take these attributes with him as he continues his education with the US Naval Academy. He will be majoring in oceanography along with striving to become a Marine Corps officer.

All of these students demonstrated a desire to work hard and have a drive to exceed their own expectations. The Perris Valley Chamber and the Menifee Valley Chamber wish them the best in their endeavors. If you wish to learn more about the Student of the Month Program, please contact founder, Sally Myers, at 951-506-8024.