On January 25, 2018, students from Hemet Unified and San Jacinto Unified were recognized as Students of the Month at an awards breakfast held at the Sizzler Restaurant in Hemet. Students were selected from Hemet High School, West Valley High School, Tahquitz High School, Hamilton High School, Alessandro 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.
Colby Wemple was selected as the Hemet High School Student of the Month. Colby was recognized for his dedication and desire to succeed despite barriers. Due to a race car incident last year, Colby had three of his fingers amputated on his left hand. After his recovery he continued to follow his passion of entrepreneurship and started his own business. In addition, he designed and built his own race car. Colby has a few college options and is unsure of which school he will attend, but he knows he wants to major in business.
Maria Quezada was chosen as West Valley High School’s Student of the Month. Maria was nominated by her Advanced Placement Literature Teacher Kirk Dawson. Mr. Dawson said Maria is a hardworking, humble, and excellent student. Maria strives for excellence in everything she does and continues to put a tremendous effort towards her education. She has been accepted to California State University, San Bernardino, where she will attend in the fall to pursue a career in Psychology. She hopes this career path will allow her to help others who are struggling.
Tahquitz High School recognized two students this month, because one of the students was unable to make it to last month’s celebration. Elijah Cantu was selected as Tahquitz High School’s Student of the Month for December. Elijah was chosen because of his dedication and choice to have a positive attitude despite various challenges. Elijah hopes to attend Florida International University to major in game design.
Maya Fleming was the January Student of the Month for Tahquitz High School. Maya was chosen for being a leader on campus. She is part of the school’s Peer Leaders Uniting Students (PLUS) program and consistently comes up with ideas to help provide an inclusive and positive campus. She hopes to attend Howard University to study nursing a pursue a career in the medical field.
HyeRin Yoo was selected as the Hamilton High School Student of the Month. HyeRin was nominated for her quiet leadership. She and her family moved to the United States when she was eight years old. She said she had, and sometimes still does have, a difficult time learning, speaking, and writing English. However, this challenge did not set her back. She continues to work hard and go into the tutoring class to help others who may be struggling as well. HyeRin plans to attend a state college to pursue a career in computer engineering.
Dustin Huberty was nominated as Alessandro High School’s Student of the Month. Frances Garrison nominated Dustin for his ability to look ahead and to make the conscious effort to be positive. Dustin enrolled in Alessandro last year without any high school credits, but did not want that to set him back. Instead of giving up, he worked even harder to ensure that he would graduate. Dustin is on track to graduate this May and is currently number one in his class. He plans to attend Mt. San Jacinto College and get an Associate Degree in Business.
Congratulations to all the students, teachers, principals, and family members. It was an inspiring morning celebrating these students and their bright futures.