The Hemet/San Jacinto Student of the Month program held its first recognition breakfast of 2026 at the Maze Stone at Soboba Springs Golf Course on Jan. 15. Seven local high school seniors were recognized and honored for their character, love of learning and commitment to academics in addition to their involvement in school and community activities and their ability and resiliency in overcoming difficult life challenges. And they do all this in a setting that honors God, country, family, community, and free enterprise. Students are nominated by teachers or other school personnel for making a difference in their homes, schools, and communities.
Local program founder and Student of the Month Committee member Karena Zermeno-Leon emceed the event. Each student was invited to the podium to share their personal story, past and/or current 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 from Hemet Unified School District are Haylie Alvarez, Katelyn Cerpas Fuentes, Jennah Ramirez, Erendira Soria, and Aaron Turner. San Jacinto Unified honorees for January are Christopher Garcia and Elizabeth Schmitz.
Hemet Unified School District
Haylie Alvarez
Hamilton High School Principal Kari Sanchez described Haylie in one word: persistence. She has attended Hamilton since eighth grade. Nominating teacher Mary Kleinvachter had Haylie in class in her sophomore and now senior years, and said there is a night and day difference. Citing French playwright Molière’s quote, “the greater the obstacle, the more glory in overcoming it,” Haylie said it taught her about perseverance and found it to be one of the truest statements ever written. “I have lived the obstacles, and I’m still dipping my foot into the glory of overcoming them each day that passes,” she said. “When I was 15, I found out my parents were separating due to complications.” Her academics suffered as a result. Her mother left and her siblings went with her. Haylie found it too overwhelming to leave all her friends and start over, so she stayed with her father. She entered into a toxic relationship with a boy at school, and this caused further problems. One day she told herself, “Everything happens for a reason, and I have a reason to make things happen.” She plans to become an ultrasound technician. “I’m ready to do amazing things in life and help as many people as I can,” Haylie said.
Katelyn Cerpas Fuentes
Tahquitz High School Principal Andrew Holmes said Katelyn has overcome a lot of adversity but has shined through every moment of it. “She’s played tennis for over 10 years and had an exceptional season, helping to lead her team to a Tahquitz first of making it to the CIF semifinals. She plays the guitar, ukulele, and is in the choir.” Her former AP Spanish teacher, Virginia Shaw, met Katelyn three years ago when she enrolled at the school in the Newcomers program, knowing very little English. With her great desire to learn, she was able to reclassify as an English learner last year. “Before I tell you where I’m going, I want you to understand where I have been,” Katelyn said. “For most of my life, stability was a word I heard but never truly lived. My first experience with loss was when I was still a baby, and my dad was deported.” Due to constant moving, she grew up studying across different countries, schools and cities. “Over time, I began to feel that I belonged nowhere,” she said. “At a young age, I learned how to appear strong. On the outside, I looked capable but on the inside, I felt invisible. The greatest lesson I learned is that strength is not silence and that independence doesn’t mean being alone,” Katelyn said.
Jennah Ramirez
Alessandro High School Principal Matthew Centofranchi said Jennah is living the saying Assistant Principal Steven Mack always tells students, “You always have the choice to make the right decision.” Jennah enrolled at the alternative school last year and has had tremendous growth. Teacher Erica Ruiz-Pennington said Jennah has been part of her first responder class for two years and serves as battalion chief. “Her transformation has been nothing short of remarkable,” she said. “Despite living with a heart condition that could have slowed her down, Jennah refused to let it stop her. She also navigates the emotional weight of her parents’ divorce.” Jennah said growing up, she always wondered why her parents couldn’t have stayed together. “But I now see their relationship as friends and co-parents and I wouldn’t ask for anything more,” Jennah said. When she found she only had 20 credits at the end of her sophomore year and was transferring to Alessandro, she dreaded the idea of leaving her friends behind but soon realized the school was a door to new opportunities and she was able to start focusing on herself. “My goal is to work for AMR as a paramedic,” Jennah said. She has been hired by the City of Hemet as a risk reduction cadet to start making a difference in the community.
Erendira Soria
Hemet High School Principal Jeff Franks introduced Erendira as a member of the soccer team, the school’s Care Club, and its Breakfast Club. Teacher DJ Edwards said, “As I’ve gotten to know Erendira this year, a few defining qualities have stood out to me; her tenacious work ethic, resilient spirit, and a heart full of compassion.” Erendira said her life has been shaped by both challenges and resilience. “As the oldest of four, I have always felt a deep sense of responsibility towards my family,” she said. Growing up she watched her family face many hardships and struggle with homelessness and domestic violence, issues that scarred her emotionally. In 2024, her mother was diagnosed with cancer. Erendira became her support while caring for her siblings, one with cystic fibrosis and one with a disability. There were moments when she felt overwhelmed, but she never gave up hope. Thankfully, her mother is now cancer-free. Through everything, Erendira remained dedicated to her education. She plans to attend community college to finish her general education and prerequisites for nursing before transferring to a four-year university to earn her bachelor’s degree in that discipline. “My goal is to become a nurse who not only provides medical care but also offers compassion and understanding to families facing difficult times, especially the ones like mine,” she said.
Aaron Turner
West Valley High School Principal Cynthia Leon introduced Aaron as “one of the sweetest kids ever.” Despite challenges, he had straight As last semester and is a valuable member of the chamber choir. His one-on-one aide, Ivory Reichenecker, has worked with Aaron for the past three years. “One of the best things that reflects who Aaron is comes from his time in choir, the class he enjoys the most,” she said. “He understands that success is not only measured by hard work but also by the care and respect you show others, and that lesson will carry him far beyond this school.” Aaron said, “I come from a family that has always supported me and encouraged me to keep going even when things felt difficult. Even when things were challenging, I continued to show up and try my best, learning the value of dedication and growth along the way.” Aaron plans to attend MSJC and pursue a career as a graphic designer. “I am excited to combine creativity and purpose and use my skills to express ideas, tell stories, and make meaningful connections through design.” His mother, Chariss Turner, said Aaron’s condition is Duchenne muscular dystrophy. “Most boys don’t make it this far so the fact that Aaron is here is a blessing; we are so grateful.” She thanked Hemet Unified School District for helping when other districts could not. “What the district and the school and the teachers offer is outstanding,” Turner said. “As a parent, when you drop your kid off, and you know you have people that are going to take care of your kids and give them all the resources that they need, it’s a blessing. “So kudos to the people that care about our students,” she said.
San Jacinto Unified School District
Christopher Garcia
San Jacinto Leadership Academy Principal Mike Luna said Christopher has been with the school since sixth grade. Despite challenges this past year, his perseverance and determination have been an example of what grit is. Spanish teacher Elena Bazaldua said, “Chris’ journey over this past year is a powerful example of resilience and strength. After losing his father, Chris could have stepped back but instead, he chose to move forward.” Christopher said one of the things that he has remembered for most of his life is that there are 86,400 seconds in a day. “If you got that much money every day and you were able to spend it all and it came back every day, you would try to spend as much money as possible, buying all the things you’ve always wanted,” he said. “That’s how many seconds there are in this day, so don’t waste them.” Christopher likes to do creative things such as writing, playing the guitar, and being active in his community. “When my dad passed away, it was like a reality check,” he said. “Fate has this thing of giving you all that you want right before the end.” A week before he lost his father, Christopher was able to spend more quality time with him than usual. He plans to take a gap year to concentrate on his music before heading to college.
Elizabeth Schmitz
San Jacinto High School Principal Lloyd Sheppard introduced Elizabeth as “one of those shining examples that continue to remind us of why we do what we do at each of our school sites to support our students.” He continued, “She reminded us of the value of personal connection that is sometimes overlooked at a large high school. She is also an example of student voice and why it’s so important for us to ensure that we’re listening to what our students need to help us be successful.” Registrar Luisana Martinez said Elizabeth is on track to complete her associate’s degree before her high school diploma. Elizabeth said she has attended about a dozen different schools until now. “My life hasn’t exactly been easy,” she said. “Life’s not been kind and neither was my mother. She had a mental illness, and it really hurt my brother and me.” A stepfather recognized she was being neglected as a child and tried to help. “My future hasn’t always been bright,” Elizabeth said. She admitted contemplating suicide before she was 13. “Due to technology, we are losing authentication in our world,” she said. She feels social communication is critical. “We now have a student forum at SJHS, and in February we’re hoping to start town halls to invite all students to have a voice,” Elizabeth said.
For more information, www.studentofthemonth.net.
