On November 16, 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, Western Center Academy, 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, 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.
Alexis Jamisola was nominated by Jamie Killebrew, her Leadership teacher at Hemet High School, for being a great role model to her peers and a leader on campus. Aside from being one of the top students at Hemet High, Alexis is a co-founder of the school’s Breakfast Club, participates in Mock Trial, sports, and volunteers at Hemet Hospital. Alexis hopes to attend San Diego State University to pursue her dreams of becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner.
Zanaizia Hisoler was chosen as West Valley High School’s Student of the Month by her math teacher, Kevin Smith. Zanaizia was commended and recognized as Student of the Month for her initiative to help others. She is co-founder of the Filipinos Club on campus, a member of California Scholarship Federation, and volunteers at Harmony Elementary School. During her time at Harmony, she mentioned that many of the students touched her heart and she began to think about a career in teaching. After high school she plans to attend college and continue to find things that motivate her.
Elica Joy Labaco was nominated by her Dual Enrollment Biology teacher, Anne Rizzacasa, as Tahquitz High School’s Student of the Month. Elica was nominated for being a fighter and fighting for what she believes in. Elica currently has straight A’s and is taking multiple Advanced Placement classes. She plans on attending college in the fall to pursue her dream of becoming a lawyer where she can continue to fight for what is right.
Samantha Binger was selected by Julie Cope, her Math teacher at Hamilton High School. Samantha was nominated for her energetic and positive attitude. She is currently the class President, conducts the morning announcements, plays sports, and plans the school’s pep-rallies. She plans to attend college after she graduates and would like to become a teacher for younger students. She transferred to Hamilton her sophomore year and found it challenging to adapt to a smaller school. Now that she is familiar with the smaller atmosphere, she thanks Hamilton for encouraging her to be a leader and a stand-out student.
Maria Moreno was nominated by her teacher, Deborah Marcuson, as Helen Hunt Jackson College Prep High School’s Student of the Month. Maria was chosen due to her positive attitude and pure embodiment of being a responsible independent study student. Maria is currently the ASB President, a wonderful artist, volunteers at homeless shelters, and plays for West Valley High School’s Track and Field and Soccer teams. Maria was recently faced with a medical challenge, but faced it with a smile.
Matthew Walker was selected as Western Center Academy’s Student of the Month by his teacher Samantha Opperman. Matthew was recognized because of his character and determination to persevere. Matthew lost a family member during his high school career and found himself struggling to continue working towards his goals. Matt decided to put his energy back into bettering himself and his future. He is currently enrolled in several Advanced Placement classes and will have seven college courses completed by the time he attends college.
Congratulations to the students, teachers, principals, and family members. It was an inspiring morning celebrating these students and their bright futures.