The Hemet/San Jacinto Student of the Month program held its most recent recognition breakfast at the Maze Stone at Soboba Springs Golf Course on Nov. 6. Seven local high school seniors were recognized and honored for their character, love of learning and commitment to academics in addition to their involvement in school and community activities and their ability and resiliency in overcoming difficult life challenges. And they do all this in a setting that honors God, country, family, community and free enterprise. Students are nominated by teachers or other school personnel for making a difference in their homes, schools and communities.
Local program founder and Student of the Month Committee member Karena Zermeno-Leon emceed the event. Each student was invited to the podium to share their personal story, past and/or current 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.
November’s students of the month from Hemet Unified School District are Deanna Bailey, Jaida Gilbert, Diego Gomez, Deonys Ioane and Terrell Strong. San Jacinto Unified honorees for November are Karen Alvarenga Quiroz and Jacob Burke.
Hemet Unified School District
Deanna Bailey
Hamilton High School Principal Kari Sanchez introduced Deanna as a “phenomenal student and leader on campus.” Attendance clerk and Cheer coach Darian Henderson said she has watched Deanna lead the cheer team with strength, passion and genuine care for everyone around her. She serves as captain with grace, all while balancing multiple AP classes, Girl Scouts and helping care for her two disabled family members at home. Deanna feels her greatest contribution is helping others and tries to make a positive difference wherever she can. “I’ve learned that small acts of kindness can have a big impact on people,” she said. The outstanding senior plans to major in biology with a goal of becoming a physician assistant. She said it wasn’t easy for her to find a way to juggle three varsity sports, maintain good grades, be social, and prioritize family time but she did so with determination and faith. “The most important lesson I’ve learned is that success isn’t about grades or awards—it’s about effort, attitude, and kindness,” Deanna said. “Those are the things that truly define who we are and how we’ll make a difference in the world.”
Jaida Gilbert
Hemet High School Principal Jeff Franks said, “Many of you have had the pleasure of hearing Jaida sing the national anthem at various district events; she’s an outstanding singer and also an outstanding student.” Her CTE First Responder teacher Wayne Eder said Jaida was in the program when it started last year. “I also test people to become firefighters and police officers,” he said. “Jaida completed physical testing and requirements and became certified as a wildland firefighter.” Growing up in Texas, Jaida’s family was involved with the AME Church that came under scrutiny that caused the family personal and financial struggles. At 13, her mother was diagnosed with leukemia and at 14, Jaida developed POTS partially due to large amounts of personal trauma she had suffered. “Recreational activities such as choir and sports became a way for me to relax and a start to my healing process,” Jaida said. “Over time, I have learned to turn the anger and hurt that I felt once before into determination and positivity. I’ve now found a strong passion within the healthcare pathway, and I hope to major in nursing at California Lutheran University to become a certified pediatric nurse.”
Diego Gomez
Western Center Academy Executive Director Paul Bailey said Diego is a bit of a “pied piper” on campus in that everybody wants to be able to follow him. Teacher Melanie Thornburg said Diego continues to inspire others with his perseverance. “He’s our hype man for everything,” she said. Diego thanked his parents for always pushing him to be the best he could be. “In my sophomore year, I took an all-weighted class schedule, played three sports and fit salsa dancing into the mix,” Diego said. “My parents pushed me to accomplish all that while also dealing with personal challenges.” Being dyslexic, he admits to being a slow reader and learner in grade school, but his parents would not let that stand in the way of him challenging himself academically. Although his IEP (Individualized Education Program) allowed him to have certain accommodations, his mother did not want him to be treated as less than the other students. “Late last year, I became partially blind,” Diego said. “It’s been a challenge to overcome, and I lost a lot of motivation, but my parents pushed me to overcome things.” He plans to attend California Baptist University to study engineering.
Deonys Ioane
West Valley High School chose to honor Deonys for November. She is a straight-A student who is co-captain of the volleyball team where she plays starting center. “I believe my greatest contribution to my family is being responsible and supportive,” she said. “I do my part around the house, I help with my siblings when my parents are busy with work, I stay focused on my goals, and I try to set a good example for my siblings.” Deonys plans to major in kinesiology with the goal of becoming an athletic trainer for a college or professional sports team. “The biggest challenge I faced was being a military kid,” she said. “This meant moving every three years and starting at a new school. It was fun being able to travel around the world, but I always wanted to stay in one place.” During the time her father served in the Marine Corps, Deonys has lived in three different states and spent six years in Japan where she attended three different schools. Looking back, Deonys said she is thankful for the challenges she endured. “Because they have taught me resilience, adaptability and independence,” she said.
Terrell Strong
Tahquitz High School Principal Andrew Holmes described Terrell as the ideal recipient for the Student of the Month award. “He’s an exceptional athlete whose athleticism is second to none; he is a true joy to watch on the football field. He’s a superstar on both sides of the field,” Holmes said. Counselor Kelly Duggins has known Terrell since he was a freshman. “He has taken a lot of hits on and off the field, but I can tell you he has a lot of grit,” she said. “Every time he’s been knocked down, he pops right back up.” Terrell’s father passed away in 2022 and he said, “It was hard for me to grasp mentally and physically because he was my coach, he was my everything. With him not being here, it was difficult.” Terrell said he had to learn how to push himself physically and academically because there was no one there to tell him what to do. But with support from school staff, family and the Lord, he was able to get through it. He thanked some of “the people who have helped me turn my pain into purpose.”
San Jacinto Unified School District
Karen Alvarenga Quiroz
Mountain Heights Academy selected independent studies student Karen for November. Her teacher Sarah Heritage said that after working through some personal issues, Karen is back on track. She was planning to graduate early but decided to stay on and join the Film & Media class and enroll in the CTE Health Careers pathway this year. “I think my greatest contribution to my school and community has been simply being myself, someone who tries to live by kindness, love and peace,” Karen said. “I’ve learned that sometimes the most meaningful impacts come from small things like encouraging others, lending a hand when someone needs it, and showing compassion.” She said that four years ago she didn’t have a plan for herself. “During my sophomore year I struggled a lot, and I was placed in treatment for an eating disorder,” Karen said. “Now I have many dreams and I’m going to chase them all.” She wants to work with the movie industry, help those in hospice care, study law, work in a bakery and rescue animals. “I only get one life, and I want to fill it with as much as I can,” Karen said.
Jacob Burke
San Jacinto Middle College High School instructor Lt.Col. Michael Howard said, “Jacob has risen to the top two percent of my JROTC program to become a member of the cadre, one of the top five cadet officers who lead the entire unit of 190 cadets. He has excelled in leadership roles since his freshman year.” Howard said that what makes Jacob truly extraordinary is that he continues to pile up achievements while enduring multiple surgeries, physical therapy and daily pains. “Courage, determination and optimism like this I have not seen in my 10 years as a teacher,” he said. Jacob said his greatest contribution to his community is his time. “I’ve learned that showing up consistently makes a real impact,” he said. He plans to study aerospace engineering. “My goal is to design sustainable systems that solve real-world problems,” Jacob said. “But the path hasn’t been easy. Just a few weeks ago I had major spinal surgery; in fact, I’ve undergone 39 surgical procedures in my life. These experiences taught me resilience but more importantly, they taught me that clarity and structure unlock confidence. Whether I’m solving equations or presenting ideas, organizing my thoughts leads to better outcomes and deeper understanding.”
For more information, www.studentofthemonth.net.
