6 TVUSD Students Honored For Outstanding Achievement

The following is a news release from the TVUSD:

Six Temecula high school seniors were honored as Students of the Month on November 14th 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 23rd year the TVCC Student of the Month Program has honored students in the Temecula Valley.

Great Oak High School- Andrea Henthorn
Journalism teacher Beverly Kanawi describes Andrea Henthorn as, “an old soul in a teenager’s body”. Mrs. Kanawi says, “Andrea carries herself with great humility and maturity. She completes her work with diligence, focus and brilliance.” With a 4.64 GPA, Andrea is accomplished in many facets of her life. She serves as editor-in-chief for journalism, she is President of the National Honor Society, a member of the speech and debate team, and she studies ballet. 

Andrea, whose father died when she was three years old, says that being raised by a single mom has taught her, “To plan for the future, but appreciate the moment.” She says she’s also learned to value the act of volunteering and giving to others. She says, “It’s not what you do to serve, but how you do it. The attitude you bring is what’s most important.” After graduation, Andrea would like to double major in English and Communications and then earn her master’s degree so that she can work as an editor.

Temecula Valley High School ~ Rebecca Lewis
Rebecca says her high school experience has not only taught her the importance of education, but also how to think critically, and to value the importance of education. Rebecca is not only the Drum Major for the TVHS band, but she is also a member of the Mock Trial Team and a Golden Bear Ambassador.

Rebecca’s band teacher, Amy Thomas describes her as, “hard working, friendly, positive, and a natural leader.” Rebecca says that growing up in a military family and having to move schools a lot has taught her how to make new friends. She says one of the ways she learned to do that is to get involved with school clubs and activities. After graduation, she hopes to attend a four year university and major in Biology , Psychology or Biomedical Engineering. She hopes to eventually attend law school and become a lawyer.

Chaparral High School ~ Leo Chou
Leo Chou was born and raised in China until he was fourteen, and has been in the United States since then.  He says one of the obstacles he’s overcome in life so far is learning to adjust to a new culture and educational system. He says, “Fitting in to a new environment, coupled with the language barrier has been a real challenge.” However, he says the experience has also broadened his views and “revitalized” his way of thinking. Leo says the experience has taught him that, “The future is unpredictable. Only the present is in your hands.” After graduation, Leo would like to go to Rice University to major in Mechanical Engineering and Business Management, and minor in Mathematics. 

Linfield Christian High School ~ Roman Musselman
Principal Holly Wilson says, “Roman is beloved on campus. He has an infectious laugh and is an all around wonderful student and athlete.” Roman’s Bible teacher Rob Thompson says he nominated Roman, “because of his ambition for excellence in the classroom and on the athletic field, and most of all for his level of integrity as a young man.” Roman’s mother says he is “modest, full of spirit and has heart for service”, which includes a recent mission to Haiti.  Roman says the greatest lesson he has learned in life is the importance of being selfless and helping others. After graduation, Roman would like to study medicine or physical therapy.

Susan H. Nelson High School ~ Marissa Tortomasi
Marissa Tortomasi says the greatest life lesson she has learned so far has come from watching her father build their family business. She says, “If there is one lesson he has taught me it’s that hard work pays off, and success does not come easy.” Marissa’s hard work and dedication to her studies will pay off by allowing her to graduate early this year.

Marissa says she transferred from Chaparral High School to the independent study program at Nelson High School (NHS) during her freshman year. She says the environment and pace at NHS was much more conducive for her and it allowed her to “grow as an individual”. After graduation, Marissa plans to complete her general education at a community college and then transfer to a Cal State University where she would like to major in Business. 
Rancho Vista High School ~ Zachary Duenas
The greatest challenge Zachary Duenas has overcome in his life is learning to adapt to the challenges of being in a military family. Zachary’s mom  says that aside from moving a lot, military families have the added pressure of having one parent away on deployments as well as the worry and uncertainty that comes along with that. Zachary says he’s learned to handle the stress by taking each day as it comes and not tackling too much at one time. He says it’s also helpful to “always have a goal in mind” no matter how big or small. 

English teacher, Laura Cooper describes Zachary as, “dedicated, persistent, and respectful”.  She says Zachary is the type of student who “attends class every day, never complains, and always does his work.” Zachary’s dedication to his studies has paid off, allowing him to graduate early. He says the smaller environment of Rancho Vista High School allowed him to get back on track with his education. When he graduates, Zachary plans to go to earn his general education credits at a community college and then transfer to a UC school.