Murrieta Chamber Honors Students of the Month

Springs Charter School Senior Dillon Haffner is a self-motivated student who has been in the Keys College and Career Prep program. In addition to his assignments, Dillon spends several hours a week teaching other students how to use technology. He also serves as a technology intern at his school. Dillon is certified in Microsoft in Word and PowerPoint and he has had extensive training in Excel. Dillon has been accepted to Cal State San Marcos where he plans to pursue a degree in business and technology.

Murrieta Mesa High School Senior Blake LaFever-Jackson is an outstanding student who maintains a 4.2 GPA. He is the Cadet Commander of the 144 cadets in his school’s JROTC, he runs track and field and is a member of the school’s TED Club, National Honor Society and California Scholarship Federation. LaFever-Jackson is respectful, a hard worker and humble. LaFever-Jackson said he believes his purpose in life is to help and support the people around him. LaFever-Jackson has applied to and been accepted by Ohio State and Purdue. He is waiting to hear from UC Berkeley, Harvard and Cornell before choosing what college he will attend. LaFever-Jackson plans to go into civil engineering.

Murrieta Valley High School Senior Serena Teolis is a full International Baccalaureate student and she maintains a 4.4 GPA. Teolis is kind, thoughtful, positive and gentle. She is the IB Club treasurer and she started the Books Beyond Borders Club at her school which has donated hundreds of books to children in developing countries. Teolis has traveled to Zambia and Myanmar where she taught English to orphans. She plans to attend the University of Michigan as a philosophy, politics and economics major. Her goal is to continue to travel the world and bring positive social and political change through international human rights law.

Murrieta Canyon Academy Senior Emily Johnson is co-enrolled at Vista Murrieta and Mt. San Jacinto Community College. She has completed her EMT certification and spends hundreds of hours volunteering in the local hospital emergency room. She is intelligent, mature, she cares about people and she has a big heart. Johnson said her most significant lesson is to not take life for granted. Johnson has plans to enter the medical field as a registered nurse.

Vista Murrieta High School Senior Edric Gagui is a leader who is happy holding the spotlight on others. He was in JROTC for two years and he has served in leadership roles in his school’s Renaissance Club, Link Crew and as ASB Vice President in his junior year. Edric has taken several AP and Dual Enrollment courses and he maintains a 4.16 GPA. His goal is to become a medical doctor and he has applied to UC Berkeley, UC Irvine, UCSD and UCLA. He hopes to inspire others and make everyone feel like they matter.

Oak Grove Senior Nathan Magana is a humble leader who shows resilience and determination. He has transformed his life after making significant changes since he entered Oak Grove. Magana has held jobs at Smart and Final and a restaurant and he has also served an internship. Magana has worked non-stop to make up credits so he can graduate on time. He is a positive role model and a peer mentor for other students. Magana is a selfless, loving son who contribute to his family’s support. After graduation, Magana plans to go into Navy.

If you wish to learn more about the Student of the Month Program, please contact Sally A. Myers, Founder at (951) 506-8024. If you are interested in sponsoring the Student of the Month program, please contact Margaret D. Jones, Chair of the Murrieta Student of the Month Program at (951) 677-4856.

If you have any additional questions, you may contact me at (951) 696-1600 x1022.

Photo credit: Kip A. Cothran.(sitting left to right in the still image) Dillon Haffner, Blake LaFever-Jackson, Serena Teolis, Emily Johnson, Edric Gagui and Nathan Magana. Standing from left to right are: Sally Myers, SOM Founder; Patrick Ellis, Murrieta Chamber of Commerce CEO and Margaret Jones, SOM Chair.

Video courtesy of Murrieta Valley Unified School District