The Lake Elsinore Valley Chamber of Commerce Student of the Month program, honoring students who make a difference in their schools and communities, held its most recent luncheon celebration at the Lakeside High School Lancer Round Table Café on March 10. Lunch was prepared and served by members of the Lakeside Culinary Academy.
Program founder Sally Myers, of BMW Management/Sizzler Restaurants, emceed the event that partners with the Lake Elsinore Valley Chamber of Commerce. She welcomed all guests and explained the nonprofit program’s mission that 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 much more donated by the program’s sponsors were given to the award recipients. Each student received a commemorative medallion and 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.
March’s students of the month are Elsinore High School’s Ernesto Del Carmen-Ramirez and Jasmine Vo, Keith McCarthy Academy’s Ryan Saldana, Lakeside High School’s Andrew Melek and Leslie Villanueva, Ortega High School’s Linda “Bree” Estrada, and Temescal Canyon High School’s Harrison McGarvey and Jordyn Overton.
Elsinore High School
Ernesto Del Carmen-Ramirez was introduced by Principal Pauline Leavitt. The outstanding senior loves running and science. “The environment is something that I’ve always wanted to take care of and explore,” he said. Ernesto has chosen to attend Cal State University, San Marcos, where he will study molecular cell biology. A life lesson he learned in high school was realizing that he wasn’t the only person in the world with problems and he was supported by people who helped him connect with others in a positive way. Science teacher Ryan Klopp said, “As a member of the track team, Ernesto is known as a consummate cheerleader. He is the first to celebrate his teammates’ successes and also lift them up when they experience challenges. He helps build stronger teams, stronger communities and stronger people.”
Jasmine Vo is part of the school’s media design team, and Principal Leavitt said her teachers describe her as creative. Academically, she takes rigorous courses, and her future goal is to become a dentist. Jasmine is a member of the dance team and said it has brought so much into her life. It has given her a sense of community where she can feel authentic and at home with herself, especially after being so shy as a freshman. “A lesson I learned is just don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and find who you are,” she said. “I think it’s really important to get out of your own shell and figure out new things.” She is leaning towards attending CSU, San Marcos to major in biology and then go to dental school. History teacher Marni Druck said Jasmine is bright in the classroom and she shines on stage during her dance performances.
Keith McCarthy Academy
Keith McCarthy Academy singled out Ryan Saldana as March’s honoree. Principal Peter Hopping said Ryan has been attending KMA since fifth grade and he’s grown alongside the school and taken advantage of the unique opportunities that it provides for students. After graduation, Ryan plans to begin his career as a carpenter with Jeffrey Trot Industries, also known as JTI. “I chose carpentry because I enjoy working with my hands and building things with care and detail,” he said. “Carpentry is a trade that requires patience, skill, and pride in your work, and I’m excited to continue learning and growing in that field of trade. Carpentry means a lot to me because my dad was a carpenter. Even though he is no longer with us, I carry his example with me every day. His work ethic and the structure he brought to our family helped shape who I am today and by following a similar path, I hope to honor the work he once did.”
Lakeside High School
Andrew Melek was introduced by Principal Jason Eldridge as an Egyptian student who arrived in this country two years ago. “I’d like to talk about the adjustment,” Andrew said, adding that moving here from a different continent was more difficult than many people might think. “I was fluent in English through movies, shows and the internet in general. I thought, man, it would be a piece of cake. But little did I know, culture shock was smiling at me, waiting menacingly for me to approach.” Andrew has a combined interest in anthropology, computer science and mathematics. “In Egypt, assertiveness showed engagement and passion. Here, it signaled close-mindedness,” Andrew said. This shift in perspective taught him when to use it and adapt it. “It added another strength to my repertoire: discernment,” Andrew said. As a Riverside County Science and Engineering Fair Gold Medal winner, Andrew advanced to the California State Science and Engineering Fair in April.
Leslie Villanueva was congratulated by Principal Eldridge for being named Student of the Month and for celebrating her birthday on March 10. She is in AVID, on the cheer team, part of Culture Club, and involved with PLUS. Leslie said losing her father when she was five years old turned her into a shy and timid little girl. “I would become angry and jealous towards my classmates every time I saw them hanging out with their dads,” Leslie shared. “But over time, I turned that jealousy and anger into something positive. I was lucky enough to have my very own guardian angel to protect me everywhere I went. I was also lucky enough to have my stepdad come into my life and love me as his very own.” Leslie has enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. She will also be taking college courses in criminology and psychology and hopes to work for U.S. Border Patrol after her military service.
Ortega High School
Linda “Bree” Estrada was welcomed to the podium by Principal Lee Alfred. “I’ve always envisioned myself as being a lawyer,” Bree said. “Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve known that I want to dedicate my life to help people in need. I also believe that I’m pretty good at getting my point across. One lesson I’ve learned throughout high school is to never give up and keep pushing through because there will always be someone who believes in you.” Math teacher Camille Michaluk said, “Bree is a fantastic student and has a very positive attitude that is infectious to other learners. Almost daily, I see her take responsibility for not only her own learning but also that of other students around her. I want to be clear when I say Bree does not show up to Ortega High School to just learn. She shows up to make a difference. And she does this every day.”
Temescal Canyon High School
Harrison McGarvey was described by Temescal Canyon Principal Josh Hill as a member of the ASB program, where he serves as the commissioner of academic recognition. He is also a member of the varsity baseball team.
“Being involved in these programs has really taught me a lot about discipline, teamwork, and pushing myself to improve every day, even when it is difficult,” Harrison said. “The biggest life lesson that I’ve learned from high school is appreciating the people and opportunities around me.” Head baseball coach Neal Post said Harrison lives up to the program’s tenets of being kind, trusting the process over the outcome, and understanding that hard work is the bare minimum for success. “We have to be consistent and show up every single day, play with passion and be better than yesterday,” Post said.
Jordyn Overton was introduced by Principal Hill as a member of the International Baccalaureate program and the school’s theater department, starring in the school’s production of “Annie” in April. Jordyn said the biggest life lesson she has learned from her time at Temescal Canyon is how to work well with others even if they are not close or the situation becomes difficult. “Through all of the many group projects, I have learned how to communicate and cooperate which I’m sure will be invaluable to me in college and throughout my life,” she said. Spanish teacher Tammy Cullen said, “For the last three years, simply having her in my class has made me want to work harder and be a better teacher.” Jordyn hopes to attend UCLA to major in psychology. “I want to be a psychologist because I like to help people. And there I hope to continue acting,” she said.
For more information on the program, please contact Kim Joseph Cousins at 951-245-8848 or Donna Romo at Donnajromo@aol.com.
