Students of the Month Honored

Ten Temecula high school seniors were honored as Students of the Month.

The Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce on Oct. 10 recognized the following students for their outstanding academic achievement.  

Kevin Friel, Chaparral High School

Kevin is described by his teachers as a student who exemplifies Chaparral High School’s “Puma” character: dedicated, passionate and committed.

Having attended private school from kindergarten through eighth grade, Kevin was apprehensive his first year at Chaparral as a freshman.

He said after his freshman year, he made a conscious choice to get involved in school activities. This year, he’s president of ASB, president of We-Cycle, an officer of Roots and Shoots and treasurer of the Honor Society.

He said becoming more involved in clubs and activities allowed him to meet new people and have experiences he never would have had otherwise. He plans on studying environmental science and would like to work in environmental protection.

Laurel Salinas, Chaparral High School

AP BiologyTteacher Michelle Baun nominated Laurel not only for her academic achievements, but because of her work ethic and commitment to challenging herself.

Laurel is president of the Key Club, president of the Biotech Club, involved in peer leaders, the Interact Club, CSF and the swim team.

Science Department Chair Candi Canizales said Laurel exemplifies the well rounded, high achieving student. Laurel plans on obtaining a degree in bioengineering and hopes to work in the healthcare industry.

Hannah Youngwirth, Great Oak High School

Hannah Youngwirth’s nominating teacher, January King, describes Hannah as reflective and spiritual. She says, “Hannah doesn’t do things for recognition. Everything she does is because of who she is, she does everything from the heart.”

Hannah says she has gained a great deal of inspiration from her eight year old brother who suffers from a rare illness called Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome. 

Hannah is active in school activities, such as Active Earth, Habitat for Humanity, the Science Olympiad, speech, debate, choir, music and theater. She hopes to become a Field Biologist in the future.

Brian Lynch, Great Oak High School

Brian Lynch’s AP English teacher, Jenny Yates, said Brian is a student who stands out from others by the way he embraces learning for the sake of learning.

Brian said a pivotal time in his high school career is when he suffered an injury in football his sophomore year. At that point, he says his focus shifted away from athletics and more to academics.

He is now a member of the National Honor Society, vice president of the Science Olympiad, president and founding officer of the Young Conservatives Club and he's the treasurer of the Math Club.

He plans on majoring in biochemistry and continuing on to medical school to become an orthopedic surgeon.

Kathryn Combs, Linfield Christian High School                                         

Linfield teacher, Melissa Blades, said Kathryn is the type of student who takes an idea and runs with it.

Last year, Kathryn proposed starting a school newspaper. Miss Blades said she was reluctant at first, but was quickly convinced by Kathryn’s enthusiasm. The school paper has since become hugely popular, and Blades said it has been a great addition to the school community.

Kathryn has applied to nine universities and plans to study either English or History.

Tyler Moore, Linfield Christian High School

Tyler’s nominating teacher, Greg Turner, describes Tyler as bright, motivated and compassionate.

Turner says Tyler is a natural born leader who has an ability to build up others around him. He said, “Tyler is the type of person who takes the time to make sure other people’s needs are met first.”

Tyler is a talented athlete who participates in a wide range of varsity sports, including track and field, baseball, basketball and football. Tyler is also active on campus as a Student Ambassador and ASB Treasurer. He plans major in either Business Finance or in Mathematics.

Corri Chase, Rancho Vista High School

Nominating teacher, Sandra Cerny says Corri is an excellent role model who possesses a  
tremendous amount of courage.

When Corri entered high school, she struggled academically, 
largely as a result of moving many times and attend new schools. Two years ago, she was adopted by her current guardians. The stability and support she receives from her adoptive parents allowed her to flourish.

Now, with a 3.5 GPA and a post on the Temecula Police Explorers, Corri is on the path to attain her goal of becoming a Riverside County Deputy Sheriff.

Corri said her greatest life lesson has been to never lose sight of your goals. She said, “If you believe in yourself, you can do whatever you want to do.”

Danielle Gracie, Nelson High School

Nelson High School teacher, Mitch Brown, describes Danielle Gracie as a self-motivated hard-worker.

Having fallen behind during her freshman year in high school, Danielle transferred to Nelson High School during the second semester of her sophomore year. Since that time, Mr. Brown says Danielle has made up three years worth of work and is on track to graduate early.

In addition to her school work, Danielle also works twenty hours a week, takes courses at Mt. San Jacinto Community College and attends Paul Mitchell Cosmetology School. While she plans on completing Cosmetology School, she says her ultimate career goal is to attend UCSD and become an endocrinologist.

Samantha Camello, Temecula Valley High School

TVHS Varsity Softball Coach, Bud Kane says Samantha Camello’s passion and dedication for the sport of softball sets her apart from others.

A talented athlete, Samantha has played softball for four years on the Varsity Softball team at TVHS and seven years with The Next Level (TNL) traveling softball team.

She said her greatest life lesson has been that if something is worth doing, it’s worth doing right. She plans on attending Texas Tech University, where she will play softball, and hopes to pursue a degree in architectural design. 

Joshua Quinto, Temecula Valley High School

Joshua Quinto was nominated by his PE teacher, Jennifer Mueller, who said, “Joshua is a student who shows great leadership and always has a positive attitude.”

Joshua said he was hindered early on in his education by a learning disability, which made learning to read an incredible challenge.

Once the disability was discovered and he began receiving help for it, he said a new world was opened up to him.

His mom, Janet, says she knew Joshua’s hard work would pay off someday, and she is grateful to all of the teachers who helped him along the way.

Joshua is planning on to attend nursing school and become a surgical nurse.