TEMECULA, CA — Six Temecula Valley high school seniors were honored in March through the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce Student of the Month program.
The Student of the Month program is a breakfast event that occurs monthly from September through April, according to the nonprofit founder Sally Myers.
“Our program has celebrated 31 years of outstanding students,” Myers said at the event. “We are a local nonprofit organization that partners with the TVCC to honor students through their character and love of learning.”
During the event, supporters had the opportunity to learn more about each honoree from school officials, teachers, families and the honored students as they shared stories about their future endeavors, life lessons, how they plan to ‘pay it forward,’ or how they have made a difference at their school or in their community.
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March’s attendees included Temecula City Council Mayor Pro Tem James “Stew” Stewart, Temecula Valley Unified School District Superintendant Dr. Jodi McClay, former Temecula Mayor Maryanne Edwards and others.
See the full video below.
“The stories of all these young adults were quite uplifting,” Stewart said after the event over a Facebook post. “It’s events like these that restore your faith in the future. Congrats to all these amazing students, Temecula is very proud of you!”
In March, the following students were honored :
Chaparral High School: Marinne Sheldon, nominated by teacher Tina Mey, with Principal Tina Miller.
Linfield Christian High School: Matthew Rezkalah, nominated by teacher Ryan McKenzie with Principal Carrie Washburn.
Temecula Preparatory School: James Trutalli, honored by teacher Sho Veno with Principal Julie Fuller.
Rancho Christian High School: Lainey Hoopingarner, nominated by teacher David Matsumoto, with Principal Doris Jackson.
Great Oak High School: Allison Dobron, nominated by teacher Michelle Clabaugh with Principal Aimee Ricken.
Temecula Valley High School: Elizabeth “Ellie” Ludwig, nominated by teacher/coach Jennifer Guinn with Principal Donna Lione.
After the event, each honored student was awarded bags filled with recognition awards from local dignitaries as well as gifts and gift cards to area restaurants and activities and a pack of thank you notes and a list of sponsors.
A total of nine area high schools participate in the awards, including Temecula Valley High School; Chaparral High School; Great Oak High School; Linfield Christian High School; Temecula Preparatory School; Rancho Christian High School; Rancho Vista High School; Susan H. Nelson High School; and St. Jeanne De Lestonnac Catholic School. Each honoree must be college or trade-school bound.
By the end of the year, up to 65 seniors were expected to be recognized through the program, each given the opportunity to compete for the Student of the Year Scholarship at a recognition breakfast held in May.
Of March’s event, Myers discussed the most memorable part of the day.
“The students demonstrated perseverance, endurance, courage, and grit as they shared their passions and how they’ve made a difference in challenging times and good times,” she said. “We listened to John Maxwell’s word on Building Trust and learned the way to build trust is knowing you can be counted on, regardless of the circumstances. It was evident through the student stories that they can be trusted and that others can count on them.”
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