Calalang, Castillon, Nagra honored as Students of Month

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The Perris Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Menifee Valley Chamber of Commerce recently honored local high school seniors as Students of the Month for April. 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.

The 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.

Paloma Valley High School’s Student of the Month is Reese Calalang. Reese is currently number one in her class and holds a 4.6 GPA. However, what stands out to her teachers and peers is her kindness to others and her humility. Reese’s principal, Julie Blied, shared that Reese doesn’t just talk the talk; she walks the walk.

“She’s not the loudest, but she’s always doing the right thing,” she said.

Reese shared that one of her obstacles has been fear. But she also learned that healthy fear keeps her focused.

“Your past self wants you to be better than they did, and your future self wants you to be better than you are,” she said.

Reese has been accepted to the University of Notre Dame. She will major in biological sciences with a concentration in infectious diseases to become a research scientist.

Heritage High School’s Ovando Castillon is April’s Student of the Month. Ovando comes from a family of immigrants. He shared how grateful he is for being provided the opportunities he’s had that he normally would not experience if he was still in Mexico. He currently lives with his grandparents while his parents still live in Mexico.

Living with his grandparents, Ovando has learned the value of hard work. Ovando is part of the visual and performing arts program. He is president of the Drama Club and is also involved in Interact and Students for Change site council. He plans to further his education either at UCLA or Berkeley and will double major in studio art and public policy. Ovando is passionate about coming back to the community and bringing opportunities to others as he has experienced.

Satkranvir (Sam) Nagra is Liberty High School’s April Student of the Month. Sam started as a sophomore when Liberty first opened and is proud to be part of the first Bison graduating class. She is a member of the cheer squad and is involved in Link Crew, Key Club, and sports on campus. Sam shared that she was very grateful for the opportunities provided to her by her parents. She felt she would not have been able to receive those had her family stayed in India.

“Once I started to value hard work and recognize the opportunity my parents have given me to receive an education, it became clear that I have to work hard to make their sacrifices worth it,” she said. Sam plans to attend UC Berkeley majoring in political science and then continue on to law school.

Perris Lake High School’s Student of the Month is Julian Gutierrez. Perris Lake High School is a school of second chances and Julian has taken full advantage of those opportunities. So much so that he recently graduated first in his class in December. Julian was described as very thoughtful and a breath of calm air by his teacher, Ms. Carol Stern.

“His conviction and his focus is clear,” she stated. “It’s like he’s on a mission to be his adult self and the world is full of possibilities for him.”

Julian shared that he would like to continue his education and plans to attend Mt. San Jacinto College and then transfer to UC Davis to continue his education. He is leaving his career options open to possibly becoming an equine veterinarian or architectural engineer.

Michael Aguilar is Perris High School’s Student of the Month. Throughout his high school career, Michael has always been very shy and quiet around others. Wanting to step out of his comfort zone, he decided to join yearbook. It was through this organization that he began to come out of his shell and really participate in the process of opening up to others. And as a result, he became more open and helped create something lasting for his peers. He has come a long way as he is the editor-in-chief of yearbook.

Michael shared one lesson that he has learned through his journey.

“Getting out of my comfort zone showed me that when a mountain looks big, we can never forget the valleys and never forget the view that valley will bring us,” he said. Michael plans to further his education to become an electrical engineer.

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