Perris High School’s Student of the Month is Ariana Camacho. “Ariana represents the “heart” of Perris High School”, according to Assistant Principal, Kristi Coulter. She is a young woman who has done so much for the Perris High students with her kindness, leadership, and compassion; specifically for those who struggle with anxiety. Ariana had shared her own struggle with anxiety issues and made it her mission, along with other Plus Leaders, to never let a student feel alone on campus and to make sure that the stigma of mental health is broken. Ariana plans to attend UC Irvine and major in sociology with an emphasis on social work. She also plans to join the Peace Corps to help others around the world.
Perris Lake High School’s Dakota Eilola-Sciolla is February’s Student of the Month. Dakota is described as that light and refreshing student who brings a positive air to the Perris Lake campus. “He inspires others to bring out their genius”, according to teacher, Ms. Stern. Part of this is due to Dakota’s participation in helping to introduce Maker Space to Perris Lake. It’s one of his greatest contributions to the school and something that he is excited to be a part of. Dakota shared that being on a smaller campus has also allowed him to deal with his own social anxieties, which he has been able to partially overcome through the Maker Space. He plans to attend Universal Technical Institute and participate in their auto mechanics and welding program.
Trevor Johnson is Paloma Valley High School’s Student of the Month. “Trevor is an amazing student”, according to Principal, Jennifer Thomasian. He has completed seven AP courses and even scored a 5 in the AP Language exam. However, what’s more impressive is the way he interacts with other students. As president of Link Crew, he has taken the younger classmen under his wing mentoring them. Trevor shared that through his experience in the foster care system, he has learned that it is alright for things to just be okay and they are allowed to be. Trevor’s mother shared that she is very proud of him and being able to see him persevere through all he’s been through, becoming successful, and seeing him encouraging younger students. Trevor is not sure which college he will be attending but does plan on becoming a teacher.
Heritage High School’s Student of the Month is Sophia Acosta. Sophia currently holds a 4.3 GPA and along with participating in the National Honors Society and athletics, she has become a positive influence to her peers. Sophia credits her parents for he success “They are the most incredible people” she said. One activity that has helped her get through high school is running cross country. Sophia shared that running not only benefitted her physically but mentally as well. During this process Sophia discovered a passion for promoting physical and mental health to others. She plans to continue doing that by attending college and majoring in nutrition and psychology.
All of these students demonstrated a desire to work hard and have a drive to exceed others and their own expectations. The Perris Valley Chamber and the Menifee Valley Chamber wish them the best in their endeavors. If you wish to learn more about the Student of the Month Program, please contact founder, Sally Myers at (951) 506-8024.
