The Perris Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Menifee Valley Chamber of Commerce held its most recent Student of the Month breakfast at the Perris Sizzler, 91 West Nuevo Road on March 11. 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.
March’s students of the month are California Military Institute’s Antonio Lopez, Heritage High School’s Giovanny “Gio” Llamas, Liberty High’s Asha Digiambattista, Paloma Valley’s Austin Allan, and Perris High’s Elizah Marquez.
California Military Institute recognized Antonio Lopez for March. Principal Michael Dodson said Antonio was being recognized for his outstanding academic achievements, leadership, and determination. He maintains an impressive 4.255 GPA while taking a rigorous schedule that includes honors, Advanced Placement, and dual enrollment college courses. Beyond his academics, he is known for his engaging personality and willingness to mentor and support fellow students. Antonio, a Second Lieutenant at CMI, credits his teachers, family, and mentor/teacher Jeremy Wold for inspiring him to challenge himself and pursue his goals. After experiencing serious injuries that forced him to step away from his passion for weightlifting, Antonio began studying biomechanics and rehabilitation to better understand the body and recovery process. This experience sparked his interest in a future career in medicine. He plans to attend California State University, Fullerton, where he will study kinesiology on a pre-med track. His long-term goal is to become an orthopedic sports medicine physician so he can help others recover from injuries and return to the activities they love. History teacher Wold described Antonio as one of the hardest-working and versatile students he has taught. As a student leader, Antonio serves as a company commander at CMI, leading more than 200 cadets during daily formation, while also staying actively involved in campus activities and mentoring fellow students.
Heritage High School singled out Giovanny “Gio” Llamas for its Student of the Month. Gio, an ASB president and active student leader, shared that joining ASB transformed him from a quiet student into a confident advocate for his peers. Through his leadership, he has learned the importance of service, listening, and making others feel seen. He maintains a 4.5 GPA, has participated in the Project Lead the Way Medical Pathway, and has taken numerous AP and dual enrollment courses. Gio also volunteers at Loma Linda University Medical Center, serves as a student ambassador, and sits on the PUHSD Budget Advisory Committee. He plans to attend UCLA or San Diego State University to study biochemistry and then pursue medical school, with the goal of becoming a primary care physician focused on improving healthcare access for underserved communities. Teacher Renee Garcia praised Gio’s compassionate leadership, noting that he not only takes advantage of opportunities but creates them for others. She highlighted his ability to inspire confidence in his peers, build strong relationships, and lead with integrity and empathy. “True leadership is about service, listening, and standing beside others,” Garcia said, emphasizing that Gio embodies these qualities every day.
Asha Digiambattista is Liberty High School’s March Student of the Month, and Principal Erika Rojas described her as a student who truly represents the spirit and resilience of the Liberty community. Rather than allowing personal challenges to define her, Asha used adversity as motivation to succeed both academically and athletically. A dedicated AVID student for four years, she challenged herself with Advanced Placement and dual enrollment courses while excelling in athletics as one of Liberty’s top cross-country and track athletes and a contributor to the varsity soccer program. Asha plans to attend Vanguard University, where she will study psychology and compete on the cross-country and track teams. Her long-term goal is to earn a master’s and a doctorate degree in developmental trauma and become a child trauma therapist. During her sophomore year, Asha faced personal challenges after moving in with her father. With the support of mentors and staff at Liberty High School, she persevered and found renewed motivation, making her junior year her most successful academically and athletically. Teacher and mentor Emma Bennett, who has worked with Asha throughout her four years at Liberty, praised her determination, athletic ability, and character. Bennett shared how proud she is of Asha’s growth and her commitment to using her life experiences to help others in the future.
Paloma Valley High School’s Austin Allan was chosen for recognition this month. Principal Thomas LaRochelle introduced the outstanding senior as an exceptional student whose character and respect for others immediately stand out. LaRochelle shared that Austin’s reputation among staff is remarkable, with several teachers describing him as one of the most respectful and deserving students they have encountered. Austin is known for his kindness, strong work ethic, and commitment to academics, athletics, and his community. A dedicated student-athlete, he emphasizes balancing education with sports and strives to lead by example through small acts of kindness, supporting teammates, tutoring classmates, and participating in community service activities. During his sophomore year, Austin overcame a serious pelvic fracture sustained in track and field. Through determination and early morning physical therapy sessions, he recovered and returned to athletics. The experience sparked his interest in kinesiology and the medical field, inspiring his future career goals. After graduation, Austin plans to travel to Japan to experience a new culture before attending a four-year university, with hopes of studying kinesiology or another medical-related field focused on helping others. Coach Juan Merida, Austin’s mentor, praised his humility, discipline, and leadership, noting that he has demonstrated maturity and focus since his freshman year.
Elizah Marquez is Perris High School’s choice for Student of the Month for March. Principal Ricardo Garcia-Felix described her as a well-rounded student whose dedication stands out. Although she had already completed most of her graduation requirements, Elizah chose to continue taking a full course load during her senior year while remaining active in programs such as AVID, Future Farmers of America (FFA), theater, and culinary arts. She also competed in a county-level cooking competition, helping Perris High earn second place, and ranked fourth in league play on the girls’ golf team, advancing to CIF individual competition. Elizah shared that this year she has embraced new experiences. She credited her teachers, family, and mentors for encouraging her to stay focused and keep pushing forward, even during difficult times. Elizah spoke openly about facing personal challenges, including a period of temporary homelessness. Despite the hardship, she continued attending school and working toward her goals, emphasizing that challenges do not define a person, but how they respond to them does. Inspired by the support she has received from her teachers, Elizah plans to attend California State Polytechnic University to major in education and hopes to return to her community as a teacher who helps students believe in themselves.
To learn more about the Student of the Month Program, please contact founder Sally Myers at 951-506-8024.
