On September 10, 2020, students from Hemet Unified and San Jacinto Unified were recognized as Students of the Month during a Zoom meeting. Students were selected from The Academy of Innovation, Hemet High School, West Valley High School, Tahquitz High School, Hamilton High School, San Jacinto High School, and Mountain View High School/Mountain Heights Academy.
Sponsors of the Student of the Month Program donated backpacks filled with gifts, gift certificates, a plaque, Certificates of Recognition, and much more. The students had an opportunity to thank their families and teachers who have supported them and helped them plan their future life goals.
Aurora Thomson was chosen as The Academy of Innovation’s Student of the Month. She was recognized for her positive energy and determination. Aurora is the ASB President, ranks number four in her class, and was chosen as a Student Panel participant for the District’s Virtual Welcome Back event. She has already received two college acceptances and a scholarship to pursue her career goal of being a physician’s assistant but plans on applying to additional colleges to have more options.
Alyssa Hamlett was selected as the Hamilton High School Student of the Month. Alyssa was nominated by her math teacher Jennifer Halstead, for always having a positive attitude. Alyssa is enrolled in multiple Advanced Placement (AP) classes, in the school’s Career Technical Education (CTE) Sports Medicine program, and helps care for her father who was injured in the line of duty. Alyssa plans to major in human biology and become a health care professional.
Krishna Koka was selected as Hemet High School’s Student of the Month. He was nominated by his teacher and Mock Trial Coach, James Walsh, for his calm and positive demeanor. Krishna is currently the top of his class with a 4.55 GPA, enrolled in multiple AP and Dual Enrollment classes, in Associated Student Body (ASB), and a member of the Mock Trial team. He plans on applying to colleges in the University of California (UC) system and out-of-state medical schools to pursue his dream of becoming a doctor and serving the Hemet community.
Drake Colice was selected as the Tahquitz High School Student of the Month. Drake was selected by his teacher Heather Ramsey for his resilience and kind heart. Despite a challenging start to life, Drake has continued to spread positivity to those around him by being involved in various groups on campus. He is unsure of what he wants to do after high school, although his former middle school coach and guest to the Student of the Month breakfast said his personality and wisdom would make him a great counselor.
Vanessa Hinojosa Contreras was nominated as West Valley High School’s Student of the Month. Her teacher Brianna Woods nominated her for her hard work and her willingness to learn and improve. Vanessa is the Future Farmers of America (FFA) President, in Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID), Link Crew, and plays for the school’s volleyball team. She plans to attend the University of California, Riverside, and come back to Hemet Unified to serve as an elementary school teacher.
Congratulations to all the students, teachers, principals, and family members. It was an inspiring morning celebrating these students and their bright futures.