Perris area honors October Students of the Month; winners speak of perseverance and future plans

The Perris/Perris Valley Student of the Month program on Thursday honored October winners from multiple high schools, where students accepted certificates, thanked mentors and sponsors, and shared short speeches about challenges they have overcome and their plans after graduation.

Sally Meyers, founder of the Student of the Month program, opened the program, described its mission to honor character and perseverance, and introduced clergy and civic presenters. "Don't let anyone look down on your youth because you are young," a reader quoted from 1 Timothy 4:12 before the pledge and a brief prayer led by a guest from Student Venture Ministries.

The program included remarks from business and civic partners who sponsor scholarships and event gifts. Katie Luna, identified as president and CEO of the Menipe Valley Chamber of Commerce, congratulated students and encouraged them to build financial habits; chamber board president Jerry Sulva likewise praised student achievement.

Superintendent Jose Luis of the Perris Union High School District presented district recognitions and told the students to "find your passion," urging them to turn their interests into careers and education choices. He also said students would receive certificates of recognition from federal and county offices and packets with instructions for a May scholarship competition.

Students representing Liberty, Perris Lake, Paloma Valley, Perris High and Heritage High schools each had a brief time to speak. Paris Peacock, Liberty High's October honoree, described his athletic and academic involvement and said, "My main goal for the future is to eventually become a commercial airline pilot." He credited family support and described considering military service to obtain flight training.

Alandre Romero, introduced by her principal as a student who overcame serious health challenges and depression, said she planned to begin at MSJC and transfer to UCR to pursue a medical career so she could "give back to the medical field." James Sison of Paloma Valley described more than 200 hours of community service and plans to study business and marketing. Roco (Roco Nelms) of Perris High spoke about foster-care experiences and advocacy work and said he planned to study political science and law. Heritage High's Isaac Orosco spoke about campus leadership, a 4.3 GPA and plans to study architecture.

Mentors and principals praised the students' character and leadership. Elizabeth Guzman, a teacher-mentor, said Paris "leads by example," and an AVID coordinator described Isaac as organized, compassionate and academically strong.

Meyers closed the program by thanking volunteer production teams that film the student presentations for the district website and asking winners to remain for photographs. Organizers also reminded students that the student-of-the-year scholarship competition will be judged in May and that winners should complete the spring application.

No formal votes or policy actions were taken at the event; it was a recognition ceremony supported by local sponsors and education partners.

What's next: students will receive scholarship application packets in the spring; winners will be selected by community judges and announced in May.