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 January luncheon celebration at the Lakeside High School Lancer Round Table Café on Jan. 21. Lunch was prepared and served by members of the Lakeside Culinary Academy.
Program founder Sally Myers of BMW Management, emceed the event. She explained that the nonprofit 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 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.
January’s students of the month are Elsinore High School’s Albert DeAnda and Geraldine Madduma, Keith McCarthy Academy’s Joelle Picou, Lakeside High School’s Kelly Lopez and Keanu Vergara, Ortega High School’s David DeLeon Pojoy, and Temescal Canyon High School’s Gianna Almeda and Joshua Strange.
Elsinore High School
Albert DeAnda said this recognition is more than an award to him. “I would say it represents the collective support, guidance and opportunities I’ve received from my family, teachers and community,” he said. “My ultimate goal is to thrive in a career that not only fulfills my ambitions but also allows me to give back, especially to my family financially.” Albert thanked all the sponsors for investing in his potential. “Together we can build a future where dreams are not just imagined, but achieved,” he said. His AP U.S. History teacher Peter Rettinger said Albert has a love of learning and asks great questions. “After he graduates with his (college) degree in economics, he has expressed interest in working for the Federal Reserve Board,” Rettinger shared.
Geraldine Madduma was introduced by Principal Pauline Leavitt as a student that every teacher said is a joy to have in their class. She is ranked in the top 10 of her senior class of 430 students. She takes AP and dual enrollment courses and is involved with digital media and social media management on campus. She hopes to attend UC, San Diego to major in mechanical engineering with a specialization in controls and robotics to use this education to later pursue biomedical engineering, “a career which I hope will allow me to cultivate technology that will save lives.” As a member of the school’s yearbook management staff, National Honor Society, College Club and the water polo/swim team, she said she’s a reflection of the world she surrounds herself with. “The biggest life lesson I’ve learned is to say yes to opportunities; trust yourself to make the best of whatever comes your way, and you’ll discover just how enriching life can be.
Keith McCarthy Academy singled out Joelle Picou as January’s honoree. Principal Peter Hopping said although she was unable to attend due to family obligations, he wanted to acknowledge her. Joelle transferred to Keith McCarthy Academy in her sophomore year, seeking a different approach to learning and he said she quickly embraced the KMA structure. She is passionate about art and plans to continue to explore more on the subject in college. “Her dedication to education is impressive,” Hopping said. “Joelle’s creativity, determination and focus makes her an exceptional representation of our school and our district. She exemplifies what it means to forge your own path and pursue your dreams with purpose.”
Lakeside High School
Kelly Lopez was introduced by Principal Jason Eldridge as a student who makes everything positive around her despite the challenges she has faced. “In December, my life changed overnight,” Kelly recalled. She woke up unable to move the left side of her face. She was diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy, a sudden paralysis on one side of the face. “It wasn’t life-threatening, but it was life-altering,” Kelly said. “Suddenly the simple act of smiling felt impossible and even talking and eating became a challenge.” Constant physical therapy led to eventual progress. She said the experience taught her strength, patience and the value of perseverance. At school she is involved in multiple programs such as Culture Club, AVID, Medic World Club, Chemistry Club and Women’s Support Association Club. Spanish and AVID teacher Selene Jimenez is also the Culture Club advisor, and she said, “Kelly is the most responsible president I have ever had since 2006. She was on the varsity dance team for three years, plays sports and still maintains a high GPA.” Kelly plans to study biology at college, on a pre-med track.
Keanu Vergara was described by Principal Eldridge as “cool, calm and collected” and as a processor and someone who is reflective. Keanu said he is fortunate to have been involved with cross country, AP Spanish Club and tennis among other programs. He plans to attend Mt. San Jacinto College to explore the right path for his future. “A life lesson I have learned is the value of resilience and patience,” Keanu said. “Life isn’t always easy but through God I’ve realized that staying committed and taking things one step at a time will help me become a stronger and kinder person in the process.” Teacher Courtney Gonzalez has known Keanu since his freshman year when he was placed in her ninth grade Academy class, which was designed to help guide students to college. “Keanu came to me with almost all fails but he’s since consistently earned a 4.0 GPA.” She recalled his response to her request for students to write a resolution at the beginning of the year. He wrote, “Setbacks are always there for comebacks.” Gonzalez is happy to see Keanu wants to take responsibility for his life.
Ortega High School chose to recognize David DeLeon Pojoy, who plans to study construction maintenance at Los Angeles Trade-Technical College. He said he has been working alongside his father in construction since he was 12 years old and now he wants to learn more. “A life lesson I’ve learned is the importance of hard work and never giving up,” David said. He realizes that success doesn’t come overnight but with constant effort it can. “Working hard and staying persistent even when things get tough will serve me well both in college and in life,” he said. His ceramics teacher Bryan Cottriel said David is one of the best ceramics students he has ever had. “My advanced ceramics class, which he took twice, requires patience, precision and a true love for the craft,” Cottriel. “David has demonstrated these qualities time and time again.” David is on track for an early graduation from Ortega High School in March.
Temescal Canyon High School
Gianna Almeda was described by Temescal Canyon Principal Josh Hill as a well-rounded student who is vice president of her senior class, is on the varsity swim and water polo teams, is a member of marching band, jazz band, concert band, belongs to the Society of Women Engineers and Scientists Club and is part of National Honor Society. She plans to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy to one day be a pilot. “The biggest life lesson I’ve learned is that life is unpredictable so take advantage of every opportunity you are presented with,” Gianna said. She was about three years old when her mother passed away and she and her brothers spent a lot of time at their cousins’ home and grew very close. Oscar, one of her cousins, died from cancer as a teenager. The experience taught her that anything bad or good can happen at any moment. Her math teacher, Jordan Bedley, said, “Gianna is probably the most diversely talented student I’ve ever taught. She was in my Advanced Algebra II and honors pre-calculus classes and was at the top of those courses. She is incredibly academically gifted, she’s artistically talented, musically gifted and athletically a monster in the pool.”
Joshua Strange was introduced by Principal Hill as a member of the Titan Engineering Academy and serves as captain of the boys’ volleyball and championship basketball teams. Joshua said, “A lesson I’ve learned is to be there for your family. That comes with a lot of steps. When I say family, I don’t mean just the blood relatives; I mean those that always take care of you, those who are there for you in hard times, those who will take care of you when you are down, when you’re depressed, feeling anxious. People like my teammates, teachers and principal.” Joshua went on to explain that when his father was taken from him, he stopped believing in himself and stopped loving who he was. “I just stopped caring for life, I just hated everything around me; I lost my confidence,” he said. But then he read a Bible verse that he still reads every day. Joshua 1:9 says, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Closing remarks
Sally Myers addressed all the students and said, “I absolutely love that each of you shared your gifts, your talents, your passions with us and I know you’re going to go out and with all of your might, all of your energy – your natural abilities – you are going to share your purpose with others. So may God richly bless you.”
For more information on the program, please contact Kim Joseph Cousins at 951-245-8848 or Donna Romo at Donnajromo@aol.com.
