The Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce Student of the Month program, recognizing and inspiring academic excellence since the 1992-1993 school year, held its most recent awards breakfast on March 12 at the Murrieta Sizzler restaurant, 40489 Murrieta Hot Springs Rd.
Sally Myers of BMW Management/Sizzler restaurants, who founded the nonprofit program that partners with the Chamber, emceed the event. She welcomed everyone and shared the mission of the local high school recognition program, which sets the criteria for the students who are chosen.
Supported by the community, college or vocational/trade school-bound seniors are acknowledged and honored for their character, their love of learning and their willingness to participate in numerous activities such as campus events, athletics and community service or the ability to persevere and overcome difficult life circumstances. They accomplish all this in a setting that honors God, country, community, family and free enterprise.
Backpacks filled with gifts, certificates of recognition and much 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.
March’s students of the month are Chaparral High School’s Bella Baldocchi, Great Oak’s Audrey Teachenor, Linfield Christian’s Everett Romero, Rancho Christian’s Sarah Yang, Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac Catholic High School’s Dat Minh “Tom” Thai, Temecula Preparatory School’s Elena Gallegos, and Temecula Valley’s Mario Quiroz.
Bella Baldocchi
Chaparral High School Assistant Principal Tim Lucore described Bella as the kind of student who makes a school community thrive. As the school’s Athletic Director, Lucore said Bella is an outstanding multisport athlete and supports the school’s athletic programs through sports medicine. “I’ve been a varsity athlete in three different sports, which has taught me the importance of dedication and perseverance,” Bella said. “I am very excited to continue that journey next year by playing collegiate soccer. Athletics has played a huge role in shaping who I am today and has taught me to push myself and stay committed to my goals.” Bella has been in the ASB leadership class for the past four years. She plans to pursue a career in nursing and has been accepted into the nursing program at Nebraska Wesleyan University.
Audrey Teachenor
Great Oak High School Principal Amber Lane said Audrey was chosen for her scholarship, her passion, involvement, integrity, reflection, and teamwork, which are all the school’s core values. She is a member of the Air Force JrROTC unit and she’s a part of the National Charity League. “Her passion shines through her art,” Lane said. Audrey is also on the girls water polo and swim teams. A life lesson she’s learned and plans to take with her to college and medical school is that every meaningful accomplishment has to start with a willingness to try. Art teacher Lisa Valcarcel said, “I nominated Audrey for student of the month because right away I knew she was an amazing artist. She’s done extraordinary artwork.”
Everett Romero
Linfield Christian High School Principal Ty Nichols said Everett has distinguished himself as a brilliant, highly motivated student and a servant-hearted leader. “He has excelled academically, is a talented actor, and he’s been a committed four-year track athlete,” Nichols said. “He’s faithfully served our community as student ambassador, vice president of ASB, and vice president of both the MOU Alpha Theta and Science National Honor Society.” Everett said finding his community in theater has been a bigger blessing than he could ever imagine. “Keeping in mind that the people who you choose to surround yourself with are your chosen family; they will change you, they will help you grow.”
Sarah Yang
Rancho Christian High School Principal Doris Jackson said that after coming to the United States from South Korea and adapting to a new school, country, and culture, Sarah has worked with incredible determination to thrive academically. She has completed more than 200 hours of community service and her goal of studying psychology to support international students transitioning to life in America reflects the compassion she already lives out daily. “Standing here before this community after once feeling like I could not find my place within it means more to me than I can fully express,” Sarah said. Her perspective began to change when she started teaching art classes to community youth who were growing up between two languages and two cultures. “I plan to major in psychology to learn how people grow and heal, especially during cultural transitions and periods of uncertainty,” Sarah said.
Dat Minh “Tom” Thai
Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac Catholic High School Assistant Principal Jodie Brown said Dat Minh is known as Tom at the school and that from his leadership in ASB to his dedication on the soccer field, he consistently brings energy, commitment, and a team-first mindset to everything he does. He is also a member of CSF and the robotics team. Tom said one of the greatest obstacles he has faced was culture shock and a language barrier when he came to the United States from Vietnam last year. Tom will be attending Purdue University in the fall. English teacher Bridget Carver said, “He’s a brilliant student and a dedicated learner.” He teaches Vietnamese to children aged 6-12 years old in his San Diego community on Saturdays and commutes to and from Saint Jeanne’s five days a week.
Elena Gallegos
Temecula Preparatory School Upper School Dean Garrett Corduan said Elena started at the school in sixth grade. She is a member of the National English Honors Society and an officer with the National Honor Society, where she leads a group called the Create for Kids program. Elena plans to study aircraft maintenance technology to become an aircraft mechanic, which has been her dream since eighth grade. “I’ve been in a program for the past five years called the Young Marines,” she said. “We’re a nonprofit, so we aid kids ages 8 through 18 to focus on teamwork, leadership, and discipline. We work alongside the Marine Corps League.” Elena said. “My parents being veterans, it’s really impactful to me and it really touches me because not everyone gets the privilege of getting to see their family again.”
Mario Quirez
Temecula Valley High School Principal Donna Lione shared that Mario has been playing soccer all his life and joined the school’s team this year, which became a CIF championship soccer team and won the academic award. He is a member of the school’s Math Club and Student Venture Club. “I want to dedicate this award to my twin sister,” Mario said. “She works very hard as much as I do and every day she and I are competing at home to see who’s the best. She does everything with her heart, and she’s always pushed me to be who I am today, and without her, I don’t know where I’d be.” Mario plans to major in mathematics at college and has been accepted to San Diego State University, but is still exploring all his options.
For more information, please contact Program Chair Liz Schuch at 951-676-5090 or liz@temecula.org.
