Murrieta's April Students of the Month Named

Six Murrieta high school seniors were recently honored through the Murrieta Chamber of Commerce Student of the Month Recognition Program.

Students and their families attended a breakfast at Sizzler that was sponsored by numerous local businesses. There they shared personal stories of their most significant life lesson, stories of victory over challenging life circumstances, where they plan to attend college and how they plan to "pay it forward" when they return from college, according to Karen Parris, spokesperson for the program.

Students received numerous gift certificates from community businesses along with certificates of recognition, congratulations and accolades from local, county, state and federal dignitaries, Parris said.

Below, Parris shares highlights of each student's accomplishments and goals.

The April students of the month are:

Senior Colin Garcia is a well-rounded student who is third in his class, a four-year member of the school’s jazz band, and a member of the CIF championship football team. Colin will attend Cornell University and major in engineering or political science. Colin enjoys giving back and he feels his greatest contribution has been helping people when they need help. Colin is a member of National Honor Society and he enjoys tutoring other students. Colin is described as a humble student who is a friend that people count on. 

Senior Miles Schuler is ranked first in his class. He is a member of California Scholarship Federation, National Honor Society and the school’s Engineering Pathway. Miles will study aeronautical and environmental engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts. He has also signed a Miles has strived to make a difference in life; he said working collaboratively with his peers on projects at Murrieta Mesa has prepared him for college and a career in engineering. 

Senior Gabriela Lumagui is at the top of her class academically. Gabriela is respected by her teachers and peers for her leadership, compassion and work ethic. She is a member of National Honor Society and her school’s Key Club. Gabriela will attend UCLA and major in biology and she plans to go to medical school. Gabriela’s parents immigrated from Columbia; on family trips to Columbia and mission trips to Mexico she said the poverty and lack of basic necessities she saw inspired her to combine her passion for science with her goal of serving in third world countries with Doctors Without Borders.  

Senior Morgan Maxwell attends Oak Grove Ranch where he has been a leader and peer counselor. When he started attending Oak Grove in the 10th grade, he was behind in credits and he admitted having anger issues. Since that time, Morgan has become a valuable student on campus who has demonstrated his character and inner strength. In addition to serving as a role model on campus, Morgan has worked in the community and local churches and he made high honor roll.  

Tenaja Canyon Academy Senior Brooke Pernice has overcome her vision impairment and has worked hard to complete her graduation requirements in three years while pursuing her musical career. While a student at Tenaja, Brooke has been co-enrolled at Murrieta Valley High School where she is taking an International Baccalaureate class in psychology and participating in Murrieta Valley High School’s choir and ASB. Brooke will attend Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn., where she plans to continue to pursue music and major in theology. Brooke is known for her intelligence, compassion, work ethic, motivation and great sense of humor. 

Senior Aryanne Reagan is a top student with a 4.1 GPA. She has challenged herself academically by taking eight Advanced Placement classes and dual enrollment classes. She has been a member of ASB for four years and is a member of National Honor Society and California Scholarship Federation. Aryanne enjoys tutoring and has 400 hours of community service. She also served on the school newspaper staff, is a member of the Rachel’s Challenge Club and earned the Girl Scout Gold Award—the highest achievement in Girl Scouts. Aryanne will attend the University of Massachusetts and major in political science. Aryanne said losing her mom when she was 13 has made her a stronger person. Aryanne is always smiling and she has maturity and compassion beyond her years.   

To learn more about the Student of the Month Program, contact Founder Sally Myers at 951-506-8024. To become a sponsor of the Student of the Month program, contact Margaret Jones at 951-677-4856. 

Any additional questions can be directed to Karen Parris, Murrieta SOM publicity coordinator at 951-696-1600, ext. 1022.  

"The Student of the Month Program greatly appreciates the community's support and interest in the lives of our young people," Parris said.