On December 13, 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, ASPIRE Community Day 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.
Shauntique (Elyjah) Smith Carter was selected as the Hemet High School Student of the Month. Elyjah was nominated by his football coach Jason Thornburg, but Thornburg was unable to attend. Thornburg nominated Elyjah for his ability to overcome. Elyjah came to Hemet High in 10th grade and went from a .5 GPA to a 3.0 GPA. He is on the football team and a member of Men of Excellence, which is a mentorship program for a local elementary school. Despite many adversities, Elyjah has been able to change his attitude and become a positive example for his peers and younger siblings. Elyjah hopes to attend college and credits staff and his new family for their support and for not giving up on him.
Jasmine Jonson was chosen as West Valley High School’s Student of the Month. Jasmine was chosen for exhibiting what it means to be a West Valley Mustang. Despite moving to Hemet her sophomore year from Alaska, Jasmine has fully immersed herself in the West Valley culture. She is the Future Farmers’ of America President, a Career Technical Education (CTE) pathway completer, and much more! She hopes to attend the University of California, Irvine to major in Biochemistry and pursue a career as a doctor. She is excited that her education will allow her to help others in need.
Rebecca Abeyratne was selected as Tahquitz High School’s Student of the Month. She was nominated by her teacher Mr. Chuck Wolf for her dedication to set goals for herself and work to achieve them. Rebecca can be found on Friday nights directing the band at sporting events, playing sports, or working with the school’s jazz band. She admits that she has many interests such as mechanics, sports, music, and science and is unsure what career path she would like to pursue. She does plan on attending college after high school and hopes that her career will allow her to help others as well as support her mother.
Olivia Necochea was selected by her Advanced Placement (AP) teacher Mr. Preston Brimhall at Hamilton High School. Mr. Brimhall said he nominated Olivia for her natural gift of retaining information as well as her character. Olivia is the school’s Student Board Representative and a tutor. She is currently on the wrestling team and hopes to encourage more females to compete in the sport. She hopes to attend a university to pursue a career in Illustration.
Gabriel Ramirez was selected as ASPIRE Community Day School’s Student of the Month, but was unfortunately unable to make the celebration.
Congratulations to all the students, teachers, principals, and family members. It was an inspiring morning celebrating these students and their bright futures.