The Murrieta/Wildomar Chamber of Commerce Student of the Month program held its first recognition event of the 2025-2026 at the Murrieta Valley USD Early Learning Center on Sept. 18. Emcee Mary Walters welcomed everyone to the breakfast and explained that the program, founded by Sally Myers of BMW Management/Sizzler restaurants, celebrates and honors outstanding students who make a significant difference in their schools and community.
The organization’s mission is to acknowledge college and trade school-bound seniors for their character, their love of learning, and their commitment to academics in addition to their participation in athletics, school activities, community service or their ability to persevere and overcome difficult life circumstances in a setting that honors God, country, family, community and free enterprise.
Large tote bags filled with gifts, certificates of recognition, and more were donated by the program’s sponsors to the award recipients. Each student was invited to the podium to share their personal story, past challenges, and future goals with a room full of supporters that included principals, teachers, peers, and family members, as well as community and school district dignitaries.
September’s students of the month are Murrieta Mesa High School’s Christina Fayad, Murrieta Valley High’s Shane Stenson, Springs Charter School’s Cyril Rizk, and Vista Murrieta High School’s Taylor Arun.
Christina Fayad
Murrieta Mesa Principal Scott Richards said of Christina, “She may be the sweetest student I’ve ever encountered in my years in education. She’s kind, thoughtful, and intentional about making connections.” She has taken every AP science class offered at the school, along with other AP courses, eight Mt. San Jacinto College courses and boasts a 4.46 GPA. She has completed more than 300 community service hours, including spending six weeks in Lebanon this summer volunteering at a hemodialysis center. As a piano teacher for the past 10 years, Christina has logged 500-plus hours of instruction for youth. After graduation, she plans to major in biology to pursue a career as a family physician. “My curiosity is like a flame that never goes out, and I always want to learn, explore, and understand,” she said. Volunteering at the center taught her that medicine is not just about procedures but about connection, humanity, and compassion. She added that other volunteer experiences have given her the same sense of fulfillment. Her counselor, Amanda Pesavento, said, “Christina reminds us that success isn’t just about what you achieve, it’s about how you lift others up along the way.”
Shane Stenson
Murrieta Valley High School Principal Stephen Diephouse introduced Shane as someone who sets the bar high and then exceeds it. He is an International Baccalaureate full diploma student with a 4.5 GPA. Shane said, “The most important lesson I have learned is to be kind and love people. He shared a favorite C.S. Lewis quote that he says reflects how he tries to live his life, “The worldly man treats certain people kindly because he ‘likes’ them: the Christian, trying to treat everyone kindly, finds him liking more and more people as he goes on.” Shane said, “My parents and grandma have shown me that what matters most in life is my relationship with God, with family, and how I influence those around me.” He plans to attend California Baptist University with a double major of political science and a Bachelor of Applied Theology before going to law school. English teacher and Mock Trial advisor Todd Thornburg said Shane serves as captain of the team this year and is a leader by example. He said Shane reminds him of a General Douglas McArthur quote: “A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader but becomes one by the quality of his actions and the integrity of his intent.”
Cyril Rizk
Springs Charter School’s Venture Online Principal Jackie Dee said Cyril is a unique student because he excels in two CTE pathways he is taking in the technology field as well as being extremely gifted in the arts, singing with the Temecula Valley Master Chorale, alongside his mother, for the past three years. Cyril said, “I am a musician, composer, video editor, coder, modeler, writer, animator, singer, oldest brother of four, and a Christian.” He admits that school has always been stressful for him, and he struggled last year, getting behind in most of his classes. But he turned things around and can now use the time management skills he learned to stay on track. His English teacher Michelle Cummins said, “It truly is rare to see somebody balance technical skill with artistic passion so seamlessly, but Cyril manages it with grace. What makes me most proud of Cyril is that he represents exactly what we value in our students—curiosity, character, and a commitment to excellence. He embodies the heart and vision of our Venture (program) community.”
Taylor Arun
Vista Murrieta High School Principal Celeste Scallion said, “With an impressive 4.41 GPA, Taylor has embraced challenging coursework, balancing AP and college courses with both grace and determination.” She serves as ASB president and the Southern Regional Director for CASL (California Association of Student Leaders). Developed to provide a forum for student expression, CASL focuses on empowering ethical, responsible, and servant leaders. Taylor said that being part of a military family meant spending the first 13 years of her life moving every four years or so. “This made it difficult to find consistencies in academics, extracurriculars, and friendships,” she said. Taylor said that all changed when they moved to Murrieta and was able to find student leadership opportunities at Vista Murrieta. She said this has taught her many lessons, one being that everything is part of a journey. “It takes radical transparency, it takes understanding and accepting mistakes,” Taylor said. “I credit my accolades to my phenomenal support system.” At college she plans to major in neuroscience or biochemistry on the premed track to become a doctor.
For more information or to participate in the program, please contact Rhonda LaVigne at 951-696-1600, ext. 1026 or rlavigne@murrieta.k12.ca.us.
