Murrieta Students of the Year Earn $2,000 Scholarships

Six graduating high school seniors in Murrieta were selected as Students of the Year and received $2,000 scholarships from the Murrieta Chamber of Commerce Student of the Month Program.

The students were chosen by a panel of anonymous, independent panel of judges, from a candidate list of this year's Students of the Month.

"These outstanding college-bound students were chosen for their character, integrity, love of learning, ability to persevere and overcome challenging circumstances, community service and how they make a difference on their high school campus," said Karen Parris, publicity chair for the Murrieta Student of the Month program.

The students and their families attended a breakfast May 23 at Sizzler, sponsored by numerous local businesses. Principals and teachers from each high school shared stories about each of the students.

From , 2011 graduate has been ranked first in her class for three years and with a GPA of 4.42, she was valedictorian for the Class of 2011. She has a passion for science, a love for learning and she values service to others. She is president of the National Honor Society and a member of the California Scholarship Federation. Meagan performed 170 hours of community service in high school, well above the required 40. She volunteers for the animal shelter, mentors other students and was this year’s coordinator for Relay for Life. Meagan said her legacy has been to encourage other students to become involved in the Relay for Life so there will be volunteers to take her place when she goes on to college.  Meagan will attend UCLA where she will major in biology. She is interested in immunology and she aspires to become a doctor and organize a global health organization.    

Murrieta Valley High School 2011 graduate Joshua Lam is the commanding officer of his school's JROTC unit and a member of the Virtual Enterprise Team. Joshua is also the vice president of the school's National Honor Society and an AWANA leader at his church. Joshua plans to attend Point Loma Nazarene where he will major in computer science and business. Joshua is a leader on campus who inspires and motivates others. He said he believes he has added value on his school campus by encouraging and teaching the 150 cadets in the JROTC program the lessons and skills he has learned while in the JROTC program.

Lyndsay Davies is a talented, compassionate student who always looks for the good in people and in life. Lyndsay will attend Grand Canyon University in Arizona where she will major in music and minor in American Sign Language. She is president of her school's National Honor Society and she runs track. Lindsay said volunteering in a retirement home where she plays piano and sings and her involvement with the deaf community have helped her realize the importance of helping others. She is looking forward to continuing to use her musical talent to encourage others and help the deaf communicate.   

Erial Finley is a focused, determined student who plans to attend Mt. San Jacinto Community College and eventually become a registered nurse. She also plans to join the Air Force Reserves and she said she feels there is much she can do to help others. Erial has excelled academically and she said, “Good is next to better, better is next to best and I am committed to always give my best.” She expressed appreciation for her journey and for the encouragement and support of her peers and the school staff.  She participated in the school’s WASC accreditation team and Green Team. 

Brooke McCandless is an outstanding student with a 4.1 GPA. She is a member of the cross country and track teams and her passion for running and her hard work and determination helped her overcome injuries and go on to compete in the state championships. Brooke is a member of Student Venture and she has strived to make a difference at her school. Brooke said for her success is not defined by the grades on her school transcript or the awards she has received. “Success is defined by what you have done to make the world around you better for others,” she said. Brooke is kind, compassionate and she puts others before herself. Brooke will attend the University of San Francisco and her career goal is to work with special education students as a therapist. 

Vista Murrieta High School graduate Devon Graves is a member of the school's basketball team and a member of the AVID and Link Crew Programs. Devon will attend Cal Poly Pomona where he will major in English and play basketball. Devon is known for his character, compassion and huge heart and for always doing what is right. Devon has persevered through adversity and he enjoys working with elementary students in the Peer Leaders Uniting Students (PLUS) program. Devon said his teachers have been life-changing role models for him and he believes in the importance of education. He plans to become a teacher and a coach so he can pay forward what his school and the community have given to him. 

To find out more about the Student of the Month Program, contact the founder, Sally Myers, at 951-506-8024.

To sponsor the Student of the Month program, contact Margaret Jones, chair of the Murrieta Student of the Month Program, at 951-677-4856. 

"The SOM Program greatly appreciates your support and interest in the lives of our young people," Parris said.