Schools
8 Temecula Graduating Seniors Named 'Students Of The Year'
The students are moving on with a "bounce in their step."
TEMECULA, CA — As the 2020-21 academic school year comes to a close, eight Temecula high school seniors are looking to the future with a Student of the Year honor in hand.
The eight were recognized for their year of accomplishments during a Student of the Month Program and Awards Breakfast Friday at the Sizzler restaurant on Murrieta Hot Springs Road in Murrieta.
The 2021 Temecula Students of the Year are:
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Halley Brewer, Rancho Christian High School
College: Elon University
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Career Goal: International Business
Brianna Granados , Temecula Valley High School
College: San Jose State University
Career Goal: Psychology/Lawyer
Michelle Griffith, Great Oak High School
College: UC San Diego
Career Goal: Science/STEM
Noah Mariano, Linfield Christian High School
College: Westmont
Career Goal: Teacher
Jocelyn McEvers, Susan H. Nelson High School
College: New York Fashion Institute
Career Goal: Fashion
Cooper Proulx, Temecula Preparatory School
College: UC Riverside
Career Goal: Mechanical Engineering
Ivana Ron, Chaparral High School
College: Harvard
Career Goal: Lawyer
Charlene Salvador, Rancho Vista High School
College: MSJC
Career Goal: Nurse/Doctor
Founded by Sizzler owner Sally Myers and hosted by the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Temecula Student of the Month program honors high school seniors from public and private schools who are selected by their principal and teachers “for demonstrating character, integrity, love of learning, involvement in school activities, athletics, and community service as well as the ability to overcome challenging life circumstances without compromising their education,” according to a joint news release from the Temecula Valley Unified School District and the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce.
TVUSD Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Jodi McClay, said, “The Student of the Month Program and Awards Breakfast epitomizes the District’s and community’s commitment to high-quality education by recognizing a select number of amazing seniors as they prepare to take the next critical step to pursue a college or technical degree, serve our country in the armed forces, or join the workforce in a career of their choice.
"The Awards Breakfast allows guests to hear about students’ successes and challenges as well as their future plans. It also shows students that they have the support of an entire community as they begin their post-secondary plans," McClay continued.
In addition to providing honorees the opportunity to share their stories and dreams for the future, teachers and family members, some of whom have never spoken in a public setting, step up to share their pride in their students’ hard work.
Local, state and federal elected officials also attend to share their support and appreciation for each student.
Temecula Mayor Maryann Edwards has been a faithful Breakfast attendee for 25 years. She began participating before her 2000 election to City Council.
“I started attending the Student of the Month Awards Breakfast when I was a full-time volunteer and PTA board member for our three children’s schools. Students of every background, ability, and talent are honored, but all had a common characteristic — they stood out among the hundreds or thousands of students at their school, each in his/her own way,” she said. “This program provides a much-needed awareness of the quality and integrity of our students and, ultimately, of our future. People always leave Student of the Month a little taller and with a tear, a smile, and a bounce in their step.”
In addition to the 2021 Students of the Year, the following Temecula students have been honored over the 2020/21 academic year:
SEPTEMBER 2020
Chaparral: Shaye Phung
Linfield Christian: Elisabella Hohulin
Rancho Christian: Ian Rasmussen
Temecula Preparatory: Cooper Proulx
Temecula Valley: Leilani Jurena
OCTOBER 2020
Chaparral: Allison Parra
Great Oak: Evan Zhao
Linfield Christian: Deidre Gorian
Rancho Vista: Christian Sherbondy
Susan H. Nelson: Riley Rechlicz
Temecula Valley: David J. Harris
NOVEMBER 2020
Chaparral: Ivana Ron
Great Oak: Taylor Pagel
Linfield Christian: Benjamin Franks
Rancho Christian: Halley Brewer
Temecula Preparatory: Carley Chapman
Temecula Valley: Brianna Granados
DECEMBER 2020
Chaparral: Skyler Han
Great Oak: Dylan Sevenikar
Linfield Christian: Kelly Sivertson
Rancho Vista: Charlene Salvador
Susan H. Nelson: Isaiah Eagle
Temecula Valley: Serena Pulopot
JANUARY 2021
Chaparral: Tianna Cox
Great Oak: Michelle Griffith
Linfield Christian: Noah Mariano
Rancho Christian: Jack Baker
Temecula Preparatory: Priya Mapleton
Temecula Valley: Christian Darell Vargas Salazar
FEBRUARY 2021
Chaparral: Luke Trinh
Great Oak: Dylan Aguinaldo
Linfield Christian: Austin Sargent
Rancho Vista: Shane Kleis
Susan Nelson: Jocelyn McEvers
Temecula Valley: Alexia Lye
MARCH 2021
Chaparral: Jordan Burr
Great Oak: Olivia Chmiel
Linfield Christian: Briana Simone Prillerman
Rancho Christian: Runfei Zhou
Temecula Preparatory: Emmi Lynds
Temecula Valley Charter: Julian P. Curatolo
APRIL 2021
Chaparral: Tyler Schmidt
Great Oak: Bryant Srioudom
Linfield Christian: Avery Elise Lund
Rancho Vista: Michael Crane
Susan H. Nelson: Sadie Trowbridge
Temecula Valley: Benjamin Morales
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