Meet TVUSD's September Students of the Month

Names (seated left to right): Jon-Andrew Auger-Andrews (Linfield Christian HS), Kelsey Downing (Great Oak HS), Stephanie Basurto (Rancho Vista HS), Cecilia Enriquez (Susan H. Nelson HS), Julia Forest Murray-Sibby (Temecula Valley HS) and Christine Ejanda (Chaparral HS). Standing in the back row: Sally Meyers, founder/advisor of the Student of the Month Program.

The following was submitted for publication by the Temecula Valley Unified School District:

Six Temecula high school seniors were honored as Students of the Month on September 18th by the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce (TVCC). The students were recognized by their families, teachers, principals, the business community, and locally elected officials. This is the 24th year the TVCC Student of the Month Program has honored students in the Temecula Valley.
31350 Rancho Vista Road Temecula, CA 92592 (951) 676-2661 www.TVUSD.k12.ca.us

Student of the Month Award Recipients:

Temecula Valley High School ~ Julian Forest Murray-Sibby
Julian comes from a two teacher parent household and says “To love and be loved is the most important part of life and the connections you make with people are far more important than money or fame.” Her biology teacher, Mr. Brannon, nominated her because she “epitomizes what we want in Temecula Valley High School students. She is active in sports, culture, academics and in leadership” and makes TVHS a better place. Julian plans to attend college and hopefully become a politician and/or a gender equal rights advocate.

Chaparral High School ~ Christine Ejanda
Christine was born and raised in the Philippines and moved to California from Japan in 2008. She had to overcome a language barrier when she moved to Japan and cultural differences between the Philippines and America. Christine’s Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps instructor, Paul Bishop, nominated her for the student of the month because she is “pleasing, friendly, approachable, and caring.” He said as Cadet Company Commander, she leads by example. She has learned that “If you work hard for something, you will achieve the goal that you want.” Christine plans to hopefully attend University of California – Irvine to major in bioengineering.

Great Oak High School ~ Kelsey Downing
Kelsey said she comes from a “very supportive and loving family of five” and thanks her parents for the sacrifices they have made for her and her siblings which has allowed her to excel in academics and participate in extracurricular activities. Ms. Kanawi and Ms. Ricken, the nominating teachers said Kelsey is a dream student who is involved in many programs and groups such as being a full IB diploma candidate, Varsity Cheer captain, National Honor Society secretary and working with Assisteens and Team Inspire. Kelsey has learned to try her best in everything while also being spontaneous and having fun. She plans on attending a four year university, majoring in communications and political science.

Linfield Christian High School ~ Jon-Andrew Auger-Andrews
Nominating teacher, Mr. Zavoli, describes Jon-Andrew as having a “kind, fun, and humble disposition” while also demonstrating great drive, passion and discipline in his every endeavor. Jon-Andrew has lived many places including Pakistan, Thailand, Malaysia and his birth country, Nepal. He had to overcome his insecurities by trying to fit into new environments. He has learned “there is always hope and enough strength to get through each day.” He hopes to attend his dream school, USC, and major in political science or psychology.

Rancho Vista High School ~ Stephanie Basurto
Nominating teacher, Ms. Cooper, Stephanie’s English teacher, describes Stephanie as kind, courteous, helpful to others and has a great work ethic and “positive attitude towards school and life in general.” Stephanie has learned to “appreciate everything that happens to you (good and bad) and to surround yourself with people who love you.” Growing up with a mentally ill sister has encouraged her to become a psychiatrist with hopes of helping others overcome their disease or disability to reach their full potential. She plans on attending Paloma College and then transfer to UNC – Chapel Hill where she wants to obtain her master’s degree in psychology and pursue a medical degree.

Susan H. Nelson High School ~ Cecilia Enriquez
Cecilia went from being behind a year of credits to graduating early. Ms. Kroger, her nominating teacher attributes this to Cecilia’s positive attitude and her ability to work hard while being motivated and respectful. Cecilia has learned that “big things don’t come handed to you” and that she has to work for what she wants. Cecilia plans on going to college to become a licensed clinical psychologist.