December Students of the Month Honored

Seven high school seniors from Murrieta were selected to be honored through the Murrieta Chamber of Commerce High School Student of the Month Recognition Program for December.

The students and their families were invited to a breakfast Wednesday sponsored by numerous local businesses. Students 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.

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

Karen Parris, publicity coordinator for the program, highlights the students' qualities:

Vista Murrieta High School senior Haley Scheer is captain of the varsity cheer squad, a  four-year member of the school's track and field team and a member of ASB for two years, currently serving as commissioner of academics.  Haley is also president of the school's BBC Club. Haley hopes to attend San Diego State University. She said her most significant life lesson has been learning that by simply smiling and saying hello to someone she doesn't know every day, she can make a difference in the lives of those around her. Haley is known for helping others without looking for anything in return. She is outgoing, reliable, giving, and a natural leader who is respected by her peers for her leadership skills. 

Calvary Murrieta Christian High School senior Michael Aquino was described as a humble, talented student. He is vice president of the school's National Honor Society and a member of the school's varsity cross country and volleyball teams. In addition to mentoring and tutoring other students, Michael is the assistant volleyball coach for Calvary's junior high students. Michael plans on attending California Baptist University and majoring in engineering. In sixth grade, Michael's family moved to Germany where he attended an international school for two years. Although it was a difficult time in his life, Michael said he learned that he could overcome adversity and excel academically. Michael is in the top two percent of students in his class and he is passionate about his Christian faith. Michael is a truly compassionate person who is liked and respected by his peers and friends. 

Creekside High School senior Hadeel El Saeh is one of first Creekside students to take part in a new School to Career Internship Program this year, working three afternoons a week at Murrieta Elementary School as a teacher's aide. Hadeel has had a positive impact on her teachers and she is a positive role model for her peers and the kindergarten students she works with. Hadeel said she loves working with people and her career goal is to become a physician's assistant. She plans to pursue her education at Grossmont College or Riverside Community College. Hadeel said she always tries to do the right thing and think about the decisions she makes and what impact her decisions will have. Hadeel has a strong work ethic and she loves being able to help people.    

Murrieta Mesa High School senior Esther Sequiera is a young woman with a passion for drama and a strong faith in God. Esther has received a scholarship to attend the University of Dallas where she will pursue a double major in history and philosophy before going on to law school. Her goal is to become a constitutional lawyer. Esther's teachers describe her as an incredibly bright and analytical student who has a deep understanding of classical literature. Esther has had a role in every drama production Murrieta Mesa has produced. She is actively involved in her church youth group and vacation Bible school. Esther said her early experiences in school taught her not to worry about what other people think as long as she is being true to herself. Esther's goal in life is to help other people and help bring about justice in the world.

Murrieta Valley High School senior Phoebe Dye inspires other with her kindness, compassion, positive attitude and cheerful spirit.  Phoebe is involved in varsity volleyball, track and field. She is also a member of Student Senate, serving as Commissioner of Athletics this year. Phoebe loves meeting and getting to know people, especially new students. She said the most valuable lesson she has learned is that it is important to listen to people and show compassion. Phoebe says everyone has a story to tell and everyone's story is worth listening to. Phoebe will  attend San Francisco State University where she will major in kinesiology. She plans to become a massage therapist.   

Murrieta Valley High School senior Scott Tarabilda is known for being a selfless person who puts other first and is always supportive of the people around him. He teaches Sunday school, tutors other students and is passionate about his involvement in digital video production and creating video highlights of the basketball team. Scott is a person of integrity who values loyalty, honesty, trustworthiness and service. He has been in ASB for four years and varsity basketball for four years. His most memorable experiences in high school have been winning three of the last four basketball championships. Scott plans to go on a two-year mission for his church, attend a university in Utah and become a firefighter.       

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

To learn more about the program, contact Founder Sally Myers at 951-506-8024. To become a program sponsor, contact Margaret Jones at 951-677-4856. Additional questions can be directed to Karen Parris at 951-696-1600, ext. 1022.