From the Student of the Month Program, Students of the Year scholarship recipients were chosen from Hemet Unified and San Jacinto Unified high schools. All Student of the Month recipients for this school year were invited to attend a dinner held at Soboba Country Club on Thursday, May 11, 2017. Students were chosen based on their scholarship application packet, which highlighted their contributions to their school or community, academic excellence, and extracurricular activity.
Cassiopeia (Cassi) Tichy was chosen as Hemet High School’s Student of the Year. Cassi said her focus right now is finishing chemotherapy. Cassi was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, the second-most common cancer found in teenagers. After she finishes chemotherapy, she plans to attend college to become an illustrator.
Monique Biantes was chosen as West Valley High School’s Student of the Year. Monique will be attending the California State University, Fullerton. She will focus on a degree in business administration to pursue a career as a marketing manager.
Eric Urena was selected as Tahquitz High School’s Student of the Year. In the fall, Eric will be attending the University of California, Los Angeles to pursue a degree in English. In addition, he said he will minor in Television, Film, and Digital Media.
Russell Collins was chosen as Hamilton High School’s Student of the Year. Russell said he will attend Northern Arizona University. At Northern Arizona, he plans on majoring in civil engineering to follow his passion in creating and designing.
Roma Moran from Alessandro High School was chosen as Educational Options’ Student of the Year. This fall Roma will attend Mount San Jacinto College and plans to transfer to San Diego State University. She said she would also like to attend law school to pursue her dreams of becoming a judge.
Noah Delano was chosen to receive the $500 Daniel Lopez Memorial Scholarship. Noah will be attending the University of Redlands and major in Mathematics and minor in Theater. This scholarship was created in remembrance of Daniel. He was a Student of the Month for the 2014-15 school year and lost his life in a car accident.
Two students were chosen from San Jacinto USD; one from San Jacinto High School, and one from Mountain View High School/Mountain Heights Academy.
Sponsors of the Student of the Month program contributed to the $2,000 scholarships awarded to the students selected as Students of the Year. Thank you to the Student of the Month committee, sponsors, Principals and educators for your support and dedication to the students of Hemet Unified and San Jacinto Unified. It was an inspiring evening celebrating these students’ accomplishments and looking forward to the future.