On September 21, 2017, 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, Helen Hunt Jackson College Prep 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.
Mariah Harper was selected as the Hemet High School Student of the Month. Mariah was nominated by her teacher Ashley Salsgiver, for her perseverance and dedication to her goals. Salsgiver said “Mariah has overcome more than most grown adults have in their lifetime, while managing to also be one of the greatest leaders I have had the pleasure of working with.” Mariah is the FFA Chapter President, Riverside Section FFA President, and the Southern Region FFA Vice President. Despite her involvement in FFA and various extra-curricular activities, she has maintained straight A’s. Mariah said she plans on attending either California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo or California State University, Chico to major in Agriculture Business and minor in crop production. She said she hopes to then come back and share her love of agriculture with those residing in the valley.
Andrew Weishaar was chosen as West Valley High School’s Student of the Month. Andrew was nominated by his JROTC instructors due to his leadership on campus and the unwavering focus he has for the JROTC program, his studies, and his community. Andrew is the cadet leader for the NJROTC program at West Valley, a football player, the first West Valley recipient to receive the Legion of Valor Bronze Cross for Achievement, has a 3.8 GPA, and has volunteered over 1,000 hours to his school and the community. Andrew also spearheaded The Helping Humanity of Houston where he collected food, clothing, and other items for those that were affected by Hurricane Harvey. He said he is happy to have found his passion in life and is in the process of enlisting in the United States Navy.
DeLauren Grant was selected as Tahquitz High School’s Student of the Month. She was selected by her History and AVID teacher, Trish Ayotte. Ayotte said she nominated DeLauren for being an exemplary student at all times, being a leader on campus, and getting involved in her school community. DeLauren has been class President since her freshman year, is ASB President, and plays a variety of sports. She has maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout her high school career while taking rigorous honors and AP classes. She said she works hard to fight the stereotype of being labeled unintelligent for being African American and puts her all into everything that she does. She plans on attending the University of California, Los Angeles, to major in biology, attend medical school, and ultimately become a neurosurgeon.
Nathaly Avalos was selected by her teacher Ann Mohn at Hamilton High School. Mohn said she selected Nathaly for being a model student. She said Nathaly is a joy to have in class and is always the first to help other students or teachers. Nathaly is currently a top 10 student on campus, ASB President, California Honor Society President, California Scholarship Federation President, a Peer Leaders Uniting Students member, and Interact member. She is planning on attending California State University, Fresno, and pursue her career as a social worker.
Sean Garrett was nominated as Helen Hunt Jackson College Prep High School’s Student of the Month. Teacher Felice Hill, nominated Sean for making necessary changes in his life that have had a positive effect on himself and those around him. He has turned from an “F” student to the Student of the Month and is now focused on his studies and has not wavered from his positive attitude or work ethic. Sean is now enrolled in Dual Enrollment classes through College of the Desert and plans on pursuing a trade like HVAC. He said he now has pride and puts effort in everything that he does.
Congratulations to all the students, teachers, principals, and family members. It was an inspiring morning celebrating these students and their bright futures.