The Murrieta/Wildomar Chamber of Commerce Student of the Month program held its recognition breakfast at the Murrieta Valley USD Early Learning Center on March 19. Emcee Mary Walters welcomed everyone to the breakfast and explained that the long-standing program, founded by Sally Myers of BMW Management/Sizzler restaurants, celebrates and honors outstanding students who make significant differences in their schools and community.
The organization’s mission is to acknowledge college and trade school-bound seniors for their character, their love of learning and their commitment to academics in addition to their participation in athletics, school activities, community service and/or their ability to persevere and overcome difficult life circumstances 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 Murrieta Canyon Academy’s Adrian Davis-McWilliams, Murrieta Mesa High School’s Cameron Phillips, Murrieta Valley High School’s Yusra Farooqi, Springs Charter Schools’ Brody Kornegay and Vista Murrieta High School’s Justin Potter.
Adrian Davis-McWilliams
Murrieta Canyon Academy Principal Matt Bean said Adrian’s enrollment in his freshman year was meant to be a temporary placement in the alternative school’s Carpe Diem, a student behavior improvement program, but he thrived at the school’s smaller campus and stayed there. Bean said Adrian focused on transforming himself from a ringleader trying to create a circus in the classroom to a role model for his peers. “Adrian now plans events, leads activities, and supports his classmates,” Bean said. “With two years in our leadership program, current position of co-president of the Bring Change to Mind club and peer counselor, he now leaves a daily imprint on our campus.” Adrian said the Carpe Diem program gave him the space to learn, reflect, and rebuild. “It taught me what accountability looks like and helped me discover who I truly want to be,” he said. “MCA didn’t just give me a second chance; it gave me a new perspective. Here I am more than a number. I am seen, valued, and supported. This school helped me recognize my potential.” Adrian plans to attend trade school and train as a lineman while earning a business degree with hopes of opening his own company in the future.
Cameron Phillips
Murrieta Mesa High School Principal Scott Richards described Cameron as a four-year water polo player who has led by example through his work ethic, consistency, and composure. Cameron also played volleyball for two years and has been a part of choir for the past eight years. “At Murrieta Mesa, he has been an advanced choir standout all four years, serving as a tenor section leader, performing as a featured soloist and even singing the national anthem at several of our sporting events,” Richards said. Cameron also the lone male ballet folklórico performer on campus. Cameron is involved in the Chinese Culture Club, Choir Club, and serves as a vice president of the Mesa Readers Club. He has also served as a girls water polo team manager since his sophomore year. One of the biggest life lessons Cameron learned from his Coach Mathew Puig is that you never stop learning because life never stops teaching. “If you keep your ears closed and stop learning, you will never keep growing and then you can’t create the impact you want on the world,” he said.
After earning degrees and experience in the field of marine biology, Cameron hopes to open his own rescue, rehabilitation, and research center for marine animals.
Yusra Farroqi
Murrieta Valley High School Principal Stephen Diephouse explained that Yusra is currently pursuing a full International Baccalaureate diploma. “Part of what makes Yusra’s achievement so remarkable is her educational journey,” he said. “Yusra entered school as an English learner, facing the challenge of mastering a new language while keeping pace academically.” She plans to major in biology at college. “I am an African-American girl and I come from a line of people who have suffered through one injustice or another just so I could stand before you all here today,” Yusra said. “My parents have made many sacrifices while leaving their war-torn country of Afghanistan to seek a life here in America.” She serves as secretary of the National Honor Society at school. “While co-leading Med Seed Club with my friend, I was able to pursue my passion of a future career in medicine and created a space that would allow my peers to do the same,” Yusra said. Faith is a big part of who she is and she volunteers at her place of worship. She has been a Girl Scout for the past seven years and enjoys being able to inspire the next generation of girls to become confident young women.
Brody Kornegay
Springs Charter Schools’ Journey Homeschool High School Principal Shirley Jones said Brody will be graduating with a career in technical education pathway in human services and in public safety. In addition, he has successfully completed many college courses and an internship. “Brody has chosen to take the negative things he has experienced as a child to become a better person and to help those who also might need a positive role model in their lives,” Jones said. Brody said that his parents’ divorce and different traumatic things he experienced in his home environment negatively affected his academic performance and left him unmotivated. He is grateful for the assistance his family received from The Empowerment Center in Temecula, a nonprofit that supports families facing hardships. Their help enabled him to shine in high school and reach his true potential. “In eleventh grade I was inducted into the National Honor Society,” Brody said. “I became a published author, and I am a state certified youth community health worker.” He was recently accepted at the University of New Mexico and plans on pursuing a degree in engineering. Brody will be receiving the California State Seal of Civic Engagement that recognizes and rewards students who actively engage in their communities, demonstrate civic knowledge, and exhibit civic mindedness.
Justin Potter
Vista Murrieta High School Principal Celeste Scallion said Justin doesn’t simply attend school, he invests in it. “Justin serves as one of the drum majors for our nationally acclaimed Golden Alliance marching band, one of the most spirited and high-performing programs on our campus,” she said. “The Golden Alliance is known for not only its excellence, but for the culture it creates. A culture built on pride, accountability, teamwork, and relentless pursuit of excellence.” As drum major, Justin helps guide and motivate a large group of talented musicians, setting the tone for rehearsals, performances, and competitions. Justin believes his biggest contribution has been his ability to be a positive mentor to his younger peers through his position of leadership in band and being a Link Crew member. “I feel that by interacting with them and giving them a positive experience as they go through their first years of high school, it motivates them to create that same culture and environment for all future students.” He said learning to understand his core values has been one of his biggest life lessons. Justin plans to study computer science and ultimately pursue a career in cyber security or software engineering.
For more information or to participate in the program, please contact Rhonda LaVigne at 951-696-1600, ext. 1026 or rlavigne@murrieta.k12.ca.us.
