The Lake Elsinore Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Student of the Month program, which honors 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 October 14. 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 has been held there since 1996. 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.
October’s students of the month are Elsinore High School’s Madison Roath and Jay Sharma, Keith McCarthy Academy’s Zachary Wagoner, Lakeside High School’s Monserat Avery and Enrique Valdovinos, Ortega High School’s Jazmine Rodriguez, and Temescal Canyon High School’s Keelyn Asondoh and Lucas Pearce.
Elsinore High School
Madison Roath was described by Principal Pauline Leavitt as an AP Scholar, currently ranked fourth in her senior class with a GPA of 4.514. She has been on the cheer team for three years, helped develop and create the school’s yearbook, and is a dedicated fourth-year agriculture student. “Madison is someone who has a kind heart and goes out of her way to help others and really makes a difference in our community,” Leavitt said. The outstanding senior volunteers with Riverside County Adoption Services, where her mother works. Madison enjoys working with children, and this is one way she gives back to her community. Cheer Coach Crystal Hoffman said, “What sets her apart from other athletes is that she is actually ‘no drama.’ She’s always kind, responsible, hardworking, and humble.”
Jay Sharma was introduced by Principal Leavitt as an AP Scholar and three-year member of the National Honor Society, who is ranked fifth in his class with a 4.513 GPA, one thousandth of a percentage point behind Madison. Jay hopes to attend UC, San Diego to major in psychology, an interest that developed after taking an AP psychology class last year. He is involved in the CTE pathway of the photo and video program, the Asian Unity Club, and the tennis team. “The biggest life lesson I’ve learned so far is to stay true to myself and be kind to others.” His CTE instructor, Clint Heinze, said, “You can take the life skills I teach in my class anywhere.” About Jay, he said, “You’re not going to meet a more optimistic and joyful person. The energy and ideas that he brings to class just make my day worth teaching.”
Keith McCarthy Academy singled out Zachary Wagoner as October’s honoree. Principal Peter Hopping said that when Zachary was in middle school during the COVID shutdown, he was exposed to online education and quickly learned it fit his lifestyle, so he enrolled at KMA for high school. Currently ranked in the top five of his class, he is looking forward to attending college in Hawaii to fulfill his dream of becoming a lawyer. “My father Jim has shown me what it’s like to work hard, have perseverance, and to always give 100% effort in all you do,” Zachary said. He has contributed to his community through volunteering with Little League, at the community library, and in his mother’s classroom during the summer. “I am currently part of the Junior PGA League, where I’m improving my game so I can share what I learn with younger golfers as well as one day to finally beat my grandpa Mark,” Zachary said. “The biggest life lesson I have learned is to accept that failure is part of growing. Accepting that when you get out of your comfort zone and try new things, failure is a huge possibility, but understanding how to grow and learn from your failure is the key to being successful.”
Lakeside High School
Monserat Avery, who has been in school bands and the AVID program for seven years, was introduced by Principal Jason Eldridge. The honored senior said, “When I was eight years old, I entered the foster care system with no knowledge of English or Spanish and therefore not knowing how to read or write.” She said her second-grade teacher’s kindness and passion for helping others sparked her interest in education. “In less than one year, I learned how to speak English, how to write complex words, and how to read high-level books past my grade level,” Monserat said. “At that moment, I knew what I wanted to be. Mrs. Allen was my inspiration for wanting to be an elementary school teacher. I hope to one day inspire kids like she did with me.” She plans to attend Cal State San Marcos. Teacher and AVID Coordinator Lisa Ogden said of Monserat, “Joy is her middle name and she spreads that wherever she goes; she’s got a servant’s heart and she’s going to be a wonderful teacher.”
Enrique Valdovinos hopes to attend UC, San Diego or UC, Riverside to become a mechanical or electrical engineer and create new energy sources that can help combat climate change. He serves as president of the Culture Club, and is part of the Spanish Honors Club, Robotics, and AVID, and plays varsity soccer. “I also participate in the after-school athletics program, which created and fostered some of my closest friendships,” Enrique said. “These clubs and programs have taught me many valuable skills like communication, leadership, and time management. The biggest life lesson I learned is that I must value my time and not waste it. I hope to give back to my community by starting an afterschool camp that focuses on automotive work so students can learn and cultivate new skills.” AVID Coordinator Selene Jimenez said what makes Enrique special is that everyone knows he can be trusted. “He is loved and respected by everyone on campus,” she said.
Ortega High School chose to recognize Jazmine Rodriguez. She was introduced by Principal Lee Alfred who said, “She is a light on our campus.” She was a first-quarter graduate, having officially completed her diploma requirements on Oct. 9. She plans to attend Mt. San Jacinto College to study criminal justice. “My dream has always been to be part of the law enforcement system,” Jazmine said. “At Ortega, I was involved with many programs, one of them being Leadership, our school’s ASB. We planned events and spirit days, and I had the privilege to create and deliver the school’s announcements.” She also served as a TA for the front office, working with the staff, which she said allowed her to enhance her customer service skills and give back to her school. Teacher Alexis Flores said, “She’s a student who reminds us that strength doesn’t come from things going easy, but it comes from facing difficulties and choosing to rise above them.” She said Jazmine stays focused and never lets any of her negative or challenging circumstances define her but rather lets them serve as motivation to get stronger.
Temescal Canyon High School
Keelyn Asondoh was described by Temescal Canyon Principal Josh Hill as a Health & Medical Career Academy pathway student, a varsity dance team member who has served as captain the past two years, a Black Student Union board member, and a Key Club member. Keelyn plans to major in nursing. “I’ve always had a passion for helping others, especially kids, and I hope to become a pediatric nurse one day,” she said. “I also want to keep dancing, whether that’s on a collegiate team or just as a hobby, because it’s something I truly love to do.” Keelyn believes her greatest contribution is her strong leadership and her ability to make people feel welcome. “I take pride in bringing people together and making them feel seen.” Dance team coach Colleen Stevens said, “I can say without hesitation that our team is stronger, more unified, and more inspired because of her leadership. She leads not by demanding attention but by giving it, by listening, by encouraging, and by being someone others can trust.”
Lucas Pearce was introduced by Principal Hill as a member of the school’s Titan Engineering & Technology Academy, a varsity wrestler, and a member of NHS. Lucas said he is proud of what he feels is his greatest contribution to the community—his Boy Scout Eagle project when he was 16. He coordinated a renovation of the Antelope-Menifee Rural Center with the blessing of then-Mayor Bill Zimmerman. “This project taught me the value of patience, the strength of communication, and the value of contribution,” Lucas said. “I could not have done it without the support of the community and the goodwill that exists in the city.” Academy Director Robert Parks has been teaching there for 24 years. “During my time at Temescal Canyon, I’ve had some really amazing students and they’ve gone on to do some amazing things. Lucas may just top them all. His academics are out of this world—his GPA is 4.772. I could honestly call this my Student of the Career.”
For more information on the program, please contact Kim Joseph Cousins at 951-245-8848 or Donna Romo at Donnajromo@aol.com.
