Six Temecula high school seniors were honored as Students of the Month on September 20 by the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce. The students were recognized by their families, teachers, school administrators, the business community, and locally elected officials.
Pictured (Left to right) Standing: Sally Myers (Founder of Student of the Month Program), Timothy Ritter (Superintendent of Temecula Valley USD), Maryann Edwards (City of Temecula Councilwoman) Seated: Caroline Kittle (GOHS), Savanah Mears (LCHS), Jasmin Valencia (CHS), Cody Martinez (TVHS), Natalie Shadle (RCHS), Maxine Lauzon (TPS) (Courtesy photo)
This year, the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce Student of the Month program celebrates twenty years of honoring students who are making a difference.
Jasmin Valencia, Chaparral High School
Nominating teacher, NJROTC instructor Lt. Col. Bishop says, “Jasmin is a student who displays leadership, integrity and dedication to herself and her school and her community.” In addition to her participation in NJROTC, Jasmin is also a member of the Red Cross Club and Interact Club. Lt. Col. Bishop says Jasmin is “a true leader who leads by example.” Jasmin’s father says that along with her academic work and extra-curricular activities, Jasmin is also a tremendous help at home with her younger siblings. He says, “She has an impressive ability to multi-task.” Jasmin’s future plans include attending UC Davis where she would like to major in Biological Studies in hopes of one day becoming a dentist.
Caroline Kittle, Great Oak High School
Great Oak High School Principal, Keith Moore says Caroline is the type of student who stands out. He adds, “and that’s not always easy to do among a student body of over 3,600.” Caroline says one life lesson she’s learned so far is that, “The greatest aspect of learning is discovering the unknown- the questions that cannot be answered.” Caroline says she’s passionate about learning. Her future plans include attending college and majoring in Biomedical Engineering. Nominating teacher, Rob Weeg describes Caroline as “energetic, intelligent, conscientious, disciplined and dedicated”. Mr. Weeg says he nominated Caroline for the hard work she has put into the Key Club as an officer over the past two years, he says, “She’s a great leader and example for our students.”
Savanah Mears, Linfield Christian High School
Linfield Christian High School Principal Holly Wilson describes Savanah as, “a young lady of few words, but with the determination of a lion.” Her nominating teacher says she nicknamed Savanah “the Golden Child” because everything she does is perfection.” Savanah’s father describes her as incredibly driven with grounded spirituality. He says Savanah is always giving back to fellow students and friends. Savanah says the greatest life lesson she has learned so far has been to, “never let others bound you or tell you what you can and cannot do.”
Natalie Shadle, Rancho Christian High School
Administrators at Rancho Christian High School say Natalie Shadle exemplifies the school as a student with a quiet spirit who leads by example. In addition to serving as her school’s ASB Secretary, Natalie teaches piano and art lessons after school and is involved in leading the Children’s Ministry.
Natalie says the greatest life lesson she has learned so far is to have integrity and to be responsible. She says she has a desire to earn respect from those above her and appreciates the knowledge they pass on to her. Her nominating teacher, Mr. Ray says Natalie has “a heart for children”. He says, “Natalie has a humble spirit and doesn’t like to draw attention to her.” In the future, Natalie hopes to attend Cal Baptist.
Maxine Lauzon, Temecula Preparatory School
Maxine says she feels fortunate to have the strong support of her family, teachers and school community, “supporting and encouraging me.” She says the greatest life lesson she has learned so far is the satisfaction she feels from volunteering and giving back to the community. She is currently a volunteer for Hospice of the Valley. She says she plans to continue her volunteer work after high school. In addition to volunteering, she founded an after-school tutoring club and is a member of NHS and the Decathlon Club. In the future, she hopes to attain her BA in Marketing and work for an international company.
Cody Martinez, Temecula Valley High School
Cody’s AFJROTC instructor, Chief Master Sergeant Chip Dodson describes Cody as having, “a big heart.” He says, “Cody’s first concern is always for the welfare of his fellow students.” Chief Dodson says he nominated Cody for his core value of “service before self.” He says, “Cody’s leadership trait is such that he always makes others feel a part of something bigger than themselves.”
As a member of the Link Crew, Interact Club, Young Republicans, and Rotary Youth Leadership, Cody says he enjoys meeting new people and being involved with activities on campus. He is also on the Varsity Cross-Country team. Cody’s father describes his son as, “exuberant, insightful, and has a mind full of ideas.” Cody says he would like to attend Embry-Riddle and major in Global Security & Intelligence.
*Contributed by Temecula Valley Unified School District
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