The Perris Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Menifee Valley Chamber of Commerce held their most recent Student of the Month breakfast at the Perris Sizzler, 91 West Nuevo Road, on Oct. 8. Sally Myers of BMW Management/Sizzler Restaurants founded the program that started including the Perris Union High School District schools in 1998.
She emceed the event, sharing the mission of her 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.
October’s students of the month are Heritage High School’s Isaac Orozco, Liberty High’s Parris Peacock, Paloma Valley’s James Sisson, Perris High School’s Rocco Nelms, and Perris Lake’s Alondra Romero.
Heritage High School Principal Jose Topete introduced Isaac Orozco, who said he hopes to attend UCLA or UC, Berkeley to major in architecture. Throughout high school, he has been part of a variety of programs, including AVID, where he worked his way up to president, film production, where he created a children’s puppet show series, and the Academic Decathlon. “These opportunities allowed me to contribute to my school by promoting creativity and student engagement around campus,” Isaac said. “My leadership role as AVID president allowed me to create more community service opportunities, fundraise for the club, and encourage a positive and inclusive environment.” AVID coordinator Sara Huerta said Isaac is more than a scholar, although his 4.3 GPA certainly stands out. “It’s who he is at his core that makes him truly one of a kind, she said. “As our AVID president, Isaac leads with quiet confidence, integrity and compassion.”
Parris Peacock is Liberty High School’s October Student of the Month and Principal Erika Rojas said he excels at everything he tries or does. Parris said, “At school, I stay involved by playing football, running rack, participating in AVID and a proud member of the Black Student Union.” He said that a lesson that will guide him through his academic journey and throughout life is that nothing ever comes easy. “I learned that success doesn’t happen overnight; it takes hard work, perseverance and dedication,” Parris said. “Every challenge I’ve faced has taught me to stay determined and to never give up no matter how tough things get.” He said he has been fascinated by airplanes for as long as he can remember and that influenced his goal to become a commercial airline pilot. His father, who has proudly served in the U.S. Navy for the past 23 years, told him to consider joining the military.
Paloma Valley High School’s James Sisson was singled out this month. Principal Thomas LaRochelle said one of James’ teachers described him as a “shining light on campus,” and that is exactly who he is. James said his greatest contribution has been working as a counselor in training for the past two summers at River Way Ranch Camp, which he started attending as a young child. “I wanted to give back by helping others have the same amazing experience I had growing up; that’s what truly matters to me,” James said. He has maintained straight As since transferring to Paloma, served as a student representative in the Parent Engagement Leadership Institute, and earned an Outstanding Citizenship award from the City of Menifee. “I want to do my best to give back, help others lead by example, and make a difference wherever I can,” he said. James plans to study business at college and possibly earn a degree in marketing.
Rocco Nelms is Perris High School’s choice for Student of the Month for October. Principal Ricardo Garcia described Rocco as being an essential piece in the development of the wellness program by making sure the students have a voice as well as a place where they can be provided much-needed social and emotional support. Rocco works at a nonprofit and is part of the FFA, drama club, choir, and Panthers TV at Perris High. Rocco said, “The journey to this moment hasn’t been easy. I faced challenges that at times felt overwhelming, from personal loss to navigating life in foster care to balancing school, work, and advocacy. As I accept this award, I do so with immense gratitude for the past that shaped me, the people who have lifted me, and the future that I’m building.” Rocco plans to pursue a degree in political science, become a politician, and go to law school.
Perris Lake High School Principal Pauline Garcia said Alondra Romero enrolled at the alternative high school in her junior year as she was dealing with some challenges in her personal life. “She soon found a new perspective and started her senior year strong,” Garcia said. She got involved with more things on campus, such as ASB. Alondra said, “An obstacle that I had to overcome is severe depression that was brought on by life-changing health issues.” A life lesson she said she has learned is to find the good in everything. She plans to start her college education at Mt. San Jacinto College and then transfer to UC, Riverside. “Sometimes the best people cross paths in our lives in various ways, such as my nurses and doctors encouraging my progression through high school,” Alondra said. “I hope to impact as many people as I can who need that support.”
Closing remarks
Sally Myers shared special words to each student and then played a “Minute with Maxwell” recording from John Maxwell, an American author, motivational speaker, and pastor who has written books primarily focused on leadership. This one was about purpose. He said to ask yourself what you are passionate about and what you are good at, and the answers will help you find your purpose.
To learn more about the Student of the Month Program, please contact founder Sally Myers at 951-506-8024.
