The Perris Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Menifee Valley Chamber of Commerce held their January Student of the Month breakfast at the Perris Sizzler, 91 West Nuevo Road on Jan. 14. Perris Union High School District’s Nicholis Kalantar served as emcee for Sally Myers of BMW Management/Sizzler Restaurants who founded the program that started including the Perris Union High School District schools in 1998.
Kalantar welcomed all guests and shared the mission of the nonprofit organization that partners with the local Chambers. The program acknowledges and honors college or trade school-bound seniors for their character, love of learning, and commitment to academics, in addition to participation in athletics, school activities and community service. It also commends those who have persevered through challenging life circumstances, all 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.
January’s students of the month are California Military Institute’s Rose Chavez, Heritage High School’s Preslee Hart, Liberty High’s Jayden Morash, Paloma Valley’s Aubree Welborn, and Perris High’s Daisy Casas Chavez.
California Military Institute recognized Rose Chavez, who Principal Michael Dodson praised for her exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and dedication. Rose maintains an impressive 4.216 GPA while excelling in athletics, including cross-country, track and field, and women’s basketball. She has taken concurrent college courses for three years and serves as Battalion Commander, holding the rank of Cadet First Lieutenant. Highly visible on campus, Rose is recognized as a driven, disciplined leader who embodies CMI’s values. Rose reflected on her personal growth and journey toward self-confidence and purpose. She shared how learning to overcome pressure and perfectionism helped her develop a stronger sense of identity and faith. Motivated by continuous self-improvement, Rose aspires to attend Cal Poly Pomona to study architectural engineering, with long-term goals of starting her own architecture firm and fashion boutique. She expressed gratitude to her family, teachers, and mentors for their unwavering support. Teachers and family members echoed these sentiments, highlighting Rose’s integrity, confidence, creativity, and leadership by example. They emphasized her strong connection to her family, her positive influence on peers, and her reliability and trustworthiness. Rose was celebrated not only for her accomplishments but for the character, pride, and heart she brings to the California Military Institute community.
Heritage High School singled out Preslee Hart for her meaningful impact on students and staff alike. Assistant Principal Scott Moore shared that Preslee’s recognition reflects the positive influence she has had on adults and peers, reminding everyone that impact is not limited by age. Preslee expressed gratitude to her family, mentors, teachers, coaches, and school staff for their unwavering support. She highlighted her growth throughout high school, discovering a passion for creative storytelling through film, earning awards, and committing to swim and water polo all four years, including CIF appearances. Preslee shared that her greatest accomplishment has been strengthening her faith, which has guided her through personal challenges, including mental health struggles. After graduation, she plans to serve a mission through her church and later pursue a career as a CHP officer. Teacher and coach Tatiana Coover praised Preslee’s exceptional spirit, describing her as a leader who brings grace, humility, and compassion to both the classroom and athletics. As a team captain, Preslee has fostered inclusivity and sportsmanship, earning the reputation as the “glue” of her team. Film teacher Nicholis Kalantar echoed these sentiments, emphasizing Preslee’s character, kindness, and commitment to including others. He noted that her compassion, perseverance, and leadership extend beyond academics into athletics, her church, and the broader community.
Jayden Morash is Liberty High School’s January Student of the Month and Principal Erika Rojas described him as a student whose quiet leadership, kindness, and maturity naturally inspire those around him. Known for leading by example, Jayden sets a standard through his calm confidence, genuine care for others, and academic excellence. In addition to serving as an ASB president, he assists in math instruction as a teaching assistant, supports peers academically, and consistently contributes to a positive school culture. Rojas emphasized that Jayden’s character, not just his accomplishments, makes Liberty High School a better place. Jayden reflected on his personal growth, sharing how he transformed from a shy, reserved student into a confident leader through his involvement in ASB. He credited his family, teachers, and school community for fostering an environment that challenged and supported him. Jayden highlighted his passion for leadership, service, and learning, noting his role as the first student from Liberty High School and the district to serve on the California Association of Student Leaders board. Academically, he maintains a 4.29 GPA, has completed extensive coursework, community service, and nonprofit work, and plans to pursue applied mathematics on a pre-med path. ASB advisor Candace Carrillo noted Jayden’s willingness to go above and beyond, his commitment to service, and his ability to support others even in moments that would normally call for personal celebration.
Paloma Valley High School’s Aubree Welborn was chosen for recognition this month. Principal Thomas LaRochelle shared that she had been consistently nominated by staff month after month due to her outstanding character, talent, and leadership. Aubree is deeply involved in PVHS’s Drama Department and ASL Club, where she helped bring to life a unique and powerful combined Drama and ASL performance that showcased creativity, inclusion, and collaboration. In her remarks, Aubree shared her personal journey in theater, explaining how she joined as a freshman with little experience but quickly found a sense of belonging through the support of her peers and teachers. Despite early challenges, including stage anxiety, she persevered, grew in confidence, and eventually became president of the theater club. Aubree emphasized the importance of finding one’s place, being bold, and supporting others. She strives to live by example, as a leader and mentor to her peers. Looking ahead, she plans to attend a four-year college to pursue musical theater, with aspirations of becoming a performer, director, and future theater educator. PVHS teacher Stephanie Fomby highlighted Aubree’s remarkable growth over four years, praising her dedication, leadership, and ensemble spirit. She noted Aubree’s willingness to step in wherever needed, her excellence across multiple extracurriculars, including ASL Club and mock trial, and her ability to positively impact the broader school community.
Daisy Casas Chavez is Perris High School’s choice for Student of the Month for January. Principal Ricardo Garcia-Felix said she was being recognized for her outstanding leadership and lasting impact on the campus over the past four years. Daisy has been a driving force within the Associated Student Body and was elected by her peers to serve as ASB President for the current school year, a role she earned through dedication, service, and commitment rather than title alone. In addition to her leadership responsibilities, Daisy is deeply involved in school life and extracurricular activities that reflect her caring and selfless nature. She actively supports student mental health initiatives, participates in multiple programs including ASB, FFA, CART, and community organizations, and consistently seeks ways to uplift others. Her efforts exemplify Panther Pride, particularly through her growth, self-awareness, and commitment to service. Daisy shared her personal journey, speaking openly about the pressure she once felt to define her worth solely through grades and college acceptance. After experiencing stress and anxiety, she chose to step outside her comfort zone and pursue leadership and community involvement. Through these experiences, she learned that success is about more than academics and that personal growth, connection, and purpose matter just as much. Daisy plans to attend Cal Poly Pomona, majoring in animal health science with the goal of becoming a veterinary technologist.
To learn more about the Student of the Month Program, please contact founder Sally Myers at 951-506-8024.
